By EldoretLeo 
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has moved to have a 30-year prison sentence imposed on a man convicted of sexually abusing his 10-year-old relative enhanced to life imprisonment.
The prosecution argues that the sentence handed down by an Eldoret court was too lenient, considering the victim’s young age, the family relationship between the offender and the child, and the lasting consequences of the abuse.
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Appearing before the Eldoret High Court on Wednesday, November 11, State Counsel Sidi Kirenge urged Justice Antony Ndung’u to review the trial court’s decision, arguing that the magistrate failed to adequately consider the seriousness of the offence.
Kirenge faulted the trial court for placing considerable emphasis on the convict’s health condition during sentencing while overlooking aggravating circumstances surrounding the crime.
She maintained that the victim was a minor who had suffered abuse at the hands of a close family member who was expected to protect and care for her.
The prosecution further argued that the consequences of the offence had a significant impact on the child’s health and future, circumstances it believes warranted the maximum punishment provided under the law.
The ODPP is asking the High Court to examine the lower court proceedings and increase the sentence from 30 years to life imprisonment.
In support of its application, the prosecution cited Section 20 of the Sexual Offences Act, which provides for life imprisonment for incest involving a female relative below the age of 18.
The State maintains that the victim’s age and the breach of trust associated with the family relationship should have attracted a more severe sentence.
Court records indicate that the man was first arraigned before the then Eldoret Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan on October 29, 2025, where he faced an incest charge and denied the allegations.
During the trial, the prosecution presented six witnesses before closing its case on February 23, 2026.
The accused was subsequently placed on his defence on March 2 and gave his testimony on April 2.
On April 27, 2026, the court found him guilty and sentenced him to 30 years in prison.
The High Court is expected to deliver its ruling on the prosecution’s application next month.
The outcome will determine whether the original 30-year sentence remains in force or is enhanced to life imprisonment.
Robert Mutasi 
Eldoret Leo