In a landmark ruling underscoring Kenya’s zero-tolerance stance on child sexual abuse, a Thika court has sentenced former deputy headteacher John Kamau to 28 years in prison for defiling a 13-year-old female pupil under his care.
The sentencing, handed down by Resident Magistrate Evangelista Kithinji on January 27, 2026, follows the convict’s earlier conviction in absentia on December 3, 2025. Kamau, who had evaded justice for over a year by going into hiding, was finally arrested on January 23, 2026, at his hideout in Maragua, Murang’a County.
The offenses occurred repeatedly between April and October 2023 at a private primary school in Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County, where Kamau abused his position of authority to sexually assault the minor within the school premises. He was charged and convicted under Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006, which mandates severe penalties for defilement of children aged between 12 and 15 years.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) hailed the outcome, noting that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The mandatory custodial sentence reflects the gravity of exploiting a vulnerable child in a position of trust.
This case highlights the ongoing scourge of defilement in educational settings and the importance of swift reporting, robust investigations, and stringent enforcement of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act. Authorities urge parents, teachers, and communities to remain vigilant in protecting minors from predators.
Kamau’s 28-year term takes effect immediately, serving as a stark warning that those who prey on children will face the full force of the law—no matter how long they hide.
