Woman sentenced to 15 years in jail for defiling minor

A 24-year-old woman was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years in prison for defiling a minor.

Judith Wandera was found guilty of defilement and knowingly performing an indecent act with a 16-year-old boy, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.

Delivering the ruling, Kisumu Principal Magistrate Joan Wambilyanga said both the suspect and the minor admitted to have been engaging in sex for a long period of time.

She said the two were arrested in July last year, a year after they had started engaging in sex.

The accused, in her defense, told the court she was not aware the boy was a minor due to his physical appearance.

Magistrate Wambilyanga dismissed her argument saying she should have demonstrated the steps she took to ascertain the age of the boy as per the Sexual Offences Act.

In mitigation, Wandera asked for forgiveness saying she has a son, a brother and a mother she was taking care of but her pleas were dismissed.

Seven witnesses testified against the accused during the hearing period.