A Harrowing Case of Child Abuse and Justice
A 31-year-old school driver has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl under his care. The case, which took place in Eldoret, has sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the urgent need for stronger child protection measures.
Principal Magistrate Cherono Kesses delivered the verdict, stating that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The incident occurred on May 8 when Bernard Kipkorir was transporting children home in a school van in Katuiyo, Ainabkoi Subcounty, Uasin Gishu County. The court heard that the crime was committed inside the vehicle while the driver was fulfilling his duties.
“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,” the magistrate said during her judgment. She described Kipkorir’s actions as “unacceptable” and “a betrayal of trust.” As a result, he was sentenced to life imprisonment under the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.
Evidence presented in court included medical reports and witness testimony, all of which confirmed the sexual assault. The victim’s grandmother testified that she noticed the girl walking with difficulty. When questioned, the child identified Kipkorir as the perpetrator.
Human rights groups have welcomed the ruling, seeing it as a critical step in addressing child abuse. Benedine Kipruto, chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, praised the judgment as a timely deterrent against such crimes. “The court has rendered the right judgment that will serve as a warning to anyone thinking of ruining the lives of innocent children,” she said.
Activist Kimutai Kirui also commended the sentence, calling it “a victory for child protection and human dignity.” He urged parents, schools, 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. More than 50 cases were reported in the first two months of 2025 alone, highlighting the growing challenge of child protection in the region.
Kipkorir had denied the charge, claiming he dropped the child at home without incident. He told the court that the child was asleep in the van and appeared drowsy when he handed her over to her family. “I did not do such a thing. I remember dropping the child home though she was still sleepy when I removed her from the car,” he said in his defense.
Before sentencing, Kipkorir pleaded for leniency, saying he had a young family that depended on him. “I am the breadwinner of my family and I ask the court to have mercy on me,” he said. However, the magistrate rejected his plea and proceeded to deliver her detailed verdict, sending Kipkorir to prison for life.
The court granted him 14 days to appeal. Family members of both the convict and the victim, as well as human rights activists, were present during the sentencing.