Lobby praises ruling on Githurai men over sexual assault

A civil society organisation has lauded last week’s court ruling that saw two Matatu operators and petrol station attendant sentenced to 25 years in prison for  sexually assaulting a female passenger  saying that it will play a huge role in ending sexual violence.

Equality Now program officer Naitore Nyamu-Mathenge said the court ruling will give women and girls the confidence to report cases of sexual violence.

“The message is very clear, any form of sexual and gender based-violence has no place in our society. There have been many cases of sexual assault that have been previously reported and more often than not these cases fall through in the criminal justice system,” said Ms Naitore.

The three, Nicholas Mwangi, a bus driver, and Meshack Mwangi, his conductor, and Edward Gitau, jointly with others, robbed the woman of Ksh 10,200, a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone worth Ksh 27,000, one bottle of perfume, a clutch bag and make-up kit all amounting to Ksh 41,700.

Ms Naitore also hailed the lady for reporting the incidence but criticized individuals who are now sharing the video that was recorded by one of the assailants during the attack.

“The victim exhibited a lot of courage in reporting this case and the public should respect her privacy. The video taken during this incident should not be shared online as this is re-traumatizing the victim,’’ said Naitore.

The trio were also slapped with death sentences for robbery with violence.