A Garissa Magistrate has sentenced and convicted a 29-year-old man to life imprisonment for defiling a 10-year-old girl in Tana River County. The ruling came after a 65-day trial. Prosecuting Counsel Evans Fiki Kazungu told the court that Anwar Said Balozi committed the crime on October 10, 2021, in Ziwani village, Mororo Sub-Location, Tana-North Sub-County. The prosecution called six witnesses to testify during the trial.

According to court proceedings, Balozi ambushed the victim while she was collecting firewood in a nearby bush. The minor recounted how he strangled her, pinned her to the ground, and assaulted her. She suffered severe injuries from the attack, requiring a seven-day hospital stay.

After the assault, Balozi fled the scene and evaded capture for three years. Authorities finally arrested him on December 25, 2024. Resident Magistrate Hon. Robert Lemayan reviewed the evidence and ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Balozi’s conviction and life sentence.

This landmark ruling underscores the Directorate of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) commitment to protecting minors and ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence.

ALSO READ: Youths burn police vehicle, 3 houses  at Shauri Moyo police Station