A school driver accused of defiling a three-year-old girl was on Wednesday arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for child protection in Uasin Gishu County.
Bernard Kipkorir, 31, was charged with defilement and committing an indecent act with a minor. The offences are alleged to have occurred on May 8, 2025, in the Katuiyo area of Ainabkoi Sub-County, while the child was in his care. Kipkorir pleaded not guilty to the charges before Principal Magistrate Kesses Cheronoh.
According to court documents, the incident was uncovered after the minor, identified by the initials K.J., was observed walking with difficulty by her grandmother the following day. When questioned, the child allegedly mentioned Kipkorir as the perpetrator.
Medical examinations were first conducted at a nearby health facility before the child was referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for specialized treatment. The prosecution presented a medical report, a completed P3 form, and five witness statements, all of which were shared with the defense.
Kipkorir, who was employed by a private school, faces an alternative charge under Section 11(1) of the Sexual Offences Act, which criminalizes indecent acts with children.
The prosecution opposed the accused’s application for bail, citing community hostility and safety concerns. “Releasing him at this stage may endanger his life,” the prosecutor told the court, pointing to the tense situation in the local community.
Magistrate Cheronoh directed that Kipkorir be held at Eldoret GK Remand Prison until Thursday, May 22, at 2:00 PM, when a ruling on the bail application will be delivered.
The courtroom was packed with emotionally charged family members of both the accused and the victim, as well as the school’s director. The case has drawn significant attention from civil society groups and the public.
The Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, which first raised the alarm about the incident, condemned the alleged abuse and pledged to ensure justice is served. “This is not an isolated case. We must break the silence around child sexual abuse,” said a spokesperson.
Recent data from the Directorate of Children Services reveals that 84 children were sexually abused in Uasin Gishu between 2021 and 2022. Disturbingly, over 50 similar cases have already been reported in the first two months of 2025 alone.
Local social workers and child rights activists have called for improved investigative procedures, stronger community awareness, and better safeguards to protect children from abuse — particularly by individuals in positions of trust.
The case continues to highlight the growing concern over sexual violence against minors and the urgent need for justice, accountability, and preventio
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.