BUNGOMA, Kenya – The Children’s Office Headquarters in Nairobi has called for the immediate restart of a defilement case involving a Class 7 pupil from Bungoma DEB Primary School, accused of defiling a one-and-a-half-year-old girl in Mlimani Estate three months ago. The case, initially handled by Chief Magistrate’s Court 1 in Bungoma, was controversially dismissed without a full hearing, prompting outrage and scrutiny over procedural irregularities.
According to sources, the magistrate dismissed the case after reviewing statements from the Bungoma Children’s Office, without allowing both parties to present their arguments in court. This decision raised serious concerns about due process and the protection of the victim’s rights, leading to an appeal for a review. The Nairobi Court has now intervened, ordering the Bungoma Children’s Court to revisit and restart the case to ensure justice is served.
The incident, which shocked the Mlimani Estate community, has sparked a broader conversation about child protection and the handling of sensitive cases involving minors. The Children’s Office Headquarters emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation, highlighting that the initial dismissal undermined the victim’s right to justice and public confidence in the judicial system.
Local activists and community leaders have welcomed the Nairobi Court’s directive, urging the Bungoma Children’s Court to conduct a fair and comprehensive hearing. “This is a step toward accountability,” said a local child rights advocate. “No case involving the violation of a child should be dismissed without proper procedure. We hope this retrial delivers justice for the victim and her family.”
The Bungoma Children’s Court is expected to schedule the retrial in the coming weeks, with all parties involved being given an opportunity to present their case. Authorities have assured the public that measures will be taken to ensure the process adheres to legal standards and prioritizes the welfare of the victim.
This development underscores ongoing challenges in addressing defilement cases in Kenya, where procedural lapses and systemic issues often hinder justice for vulnerable victims. The Children’s Office has vowed to monitor the case closely, signaling a renewed commitment to safeguarding children’s rights across the country
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