Kitui pastor jailed for 15 years after raping girl who sought refuge in church after surviving another rape

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Justus Mutinda Mbuvi was accused of raping the victim, who had already been subjected to a separate rape incident. 

The victim sought refuge in the church, and despite being traumatised and injured, the accused is said to have assaulted her. 

During the court hearing, the prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Njihia revealed that the pastor accompanied the victim to the hospital under the guise of offering assistance. 

The survivor, however, informed the attending clinician of the ordeal, leading to the pastor's arrest. 

The prosecution called three witnesses to support the case and proved a watertight case. 

After reviewing the evidence, Senior Resident Magistrate Elizabeth Karani deemed that sexual offence matters are rampant in Kitui and emphasised the need for deterrent punishment.