ELDORET, Kenya – A court in Eldoret has sentenced a 31-year-old school driver to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of defiling a three-year-old pupil in his care.
Principal Magistrate Cherono Kesses ruled that the prosecution had proved its case against Bernard Kipkorir beyond reasonable doubt, describing his conduct as “a betrayal of trust and an affront to child safety.”
The court heard that Kipkorir committed the offence inside a school van on May 8 while transporting pupils home in Katuiyo, Ainabkoi Subcounty, Uasin Gishu County.
“The accused violated the innocence of a minor entrusted under his care, and this court has a duty to protect children as provided under the law,” Magistrate Kesses said while handing down the sentence.
She sentenced him to life imprisonment under the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006, emphasizing that the judiciary would not tolerate crimes against children.
Evidence presented in court — including medical reports and witness testimony — confirmed that the child had been sexually assaulted.
According to testimony, the victim’s grandmother became suspicious after noticing the girl walking with difficulty. When she asked what had happened, the child identified Kipkorir as the perpetrator.
Kipkorir denied the charge, insisting he had dropped the child home without incident and that she had merely been sleepy during the trip. Before sentencing, he pleaded for leniency, citing family responsibilities.
“I am the breadwinner of my family and I ask the court to have mercy on me,” he told the court.
The magistrate rejected his plea, saying the evidence was overwhelming and the crime too grave to warrant a lighter punishment. Kipkorir was granted 14 days to appeal.
Human rights defenders in Uasin Gishu welcomed the ruling, describing it as a strong statement against child sexual abuse.
Benedine Kipruto, chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, said the judgment would act as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
“The court has rendered the right judgment that will serve as a warning to anyone thinking of ruining the lives of innocent children,” Kipruto said.
Child rights activist Kimutai Kirui hailed the verdict as “a victory for child protection and human dignity,” urging schools, parents, and authorities to strengthen vigilance and create safe spaces for children.
According to a Directorate of Children Services report, Uasin Gishu recorded 84 cases of child sexual abuse between 2021 and 2022, with over 50 cases reported in the first two months of 2025 — highlighting a growing crisis in child protection.
Family members of both the convict and the victim, as well as human rights advocates, were present during the sentencing.
