Kericho man who was re-arrested after escaping police custody in 2021 found guilty of rape

Bernard Cheruiyot, a man who was on the run, having escaped from police custody for two years before his arrest last month, has been found guilty of rape and robbery with violence by Kericho Chief Magistrate Charles Ombulutsa.

Cheruiyot, also known as Abdul, was convicted of committing an indecent act contrary to section 11(a) of the Sexual Offenses Act.

The court further heard that he robbed the victim of items valued at Ksh.205,000 including a television set, laptop, microwave, gas cylinders, and two smartphones.

The court is yet to sentence Cheruiyot, who remains detained at the Kericho Police Station.

“The accused, having been arrested in the year 2021, escaped from the lawful custody while attending court. He was arrested two years later, that is why this case is being concluded in 2024,” stated Magistrate Ombulutsa.

The accused person faces a capital charge which has a possible death sentence.