A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the heinous crimes of defiling a young girl and fabricating a rescue operation. The judgment was delivered by Senior Principal Magistrate Allan Sitati Temba, who emphasized the gravity of the ranger’s misconduct.
The unsettling incident unfolded in July 2020 when Ayub Kamau, using the alias Osman, a KWS ranger stationed at the Kiunga camp on the Kenya-Somalia border, entered into a romantic relationship with an underage girl in Lamu. The situation took a horrifying turn when, on October 6, 2020, Kamau lured the girl to the camp and committed the despicable act of defilement.
Realizing the severe consequences of his actions, Kamau resorted to extreme measures to cover up the crime. He administered a concoction of concentrated black tea, intending to induce an abortion, and hatched a plan to stage a heroic rescue. Kamau hid the victim in a nearby forest and subsequently alerted his colleagues, feigning the discovery of a distressed girl in need of rescue. Together, they located the victim and presented her as a “lost-and-found person” at the Kiunga Police Station.
However, unbeknownst to Kamau, concerned individuals, including the area chief and the girl’s family, had already become aware of the illicit relationship between Kamau and the minor. Their vigilance prompted an intensified investigation, leading to Kamau’s arrest. In a startling turn of events, Kamau and his armed colleagues staged an armed standoff at the Kiunga Police Station, attempting to intimidate the investigating officer and impede the inquiry.
Kamau faced multiple charges, including defilement under the Sexual Offences Act, committing an indecent act with a minor, abuse of position of authority, and attempting to procure an abortion. Throughout the trial, the courageous victim testified about the repeated instances of sexual abuse she endured. Medical examinations confirmed her pregnancy, but tragically, she suffered a miscarriage shortly before her scheduled court testimony.
After careful consideration of the evidence presented by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the defense arguments, Senior Principal Magistrate Allan Sitati Temba rendered a resolute verdict. Kamau was found guilty of defilement and received a 15-year prison sentence. Additionally, the magistrate recognized the abuse of authority and imposed a concurrent 10-year sentence.
