A 29-year-old man from Tana River County has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the heinous defilement of a 10-year-old girl.
The Garissa Magistrate’s Court found Anwar Said Balozi guilty of the shocking crime, which took place on October 10, 2021, in Ziwani village, Mororo Sub-Location, within Tana-North Sub-County. The ruling came after an intense 65-day trial in which the prosecution, led by Counsel Evans Fiki Kazungu, presented six witnesses to solidify their case.
A Nightmare in the Bushes
The court heard chilling testimony detailing how Balozi ambushed the young girl while she was out collecting firewood in a nearby bush. The minor recounted how the assailant strangled her, pinned her to the ground, and inflicted horrific injuries before violating her. The trauma left the child hospitalized for a week.
Following the monstrous act, Balozi vanished without a trace, evading justice for three years. His freedom ended on December 25, 2024, when authorities finally tracked him down and placed him under arrest.
Justice Served
Delivering the verdict, Resident Magistrate Hon. Robert Lemayan ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, leaving no room for acquittal. “This court cannot ignore the brutality of this crime. The victim suffered immense physical and emotional trauma. The accused deserves the maximum penalty to serve as a deterrent to others,” stated Hon. Lemayan.
With the ruling, Balozi will now spend the rest of his life behind bars, a grim reminder of the unforgivable crime he committed.
A Win for Justice, A Call for Protection
The case reignites concerns over the safety of young girls, particularly in rural areas where children remain vulnerable to such predators. Human rights groups have lauded the ruling, calling for increased vigilance in communities to protect minors from such attacks.
As justice is served for one victim, the message is clear: crimes against children will not go unpunished.
