By TONY MUSISI
A 25-year-old job seeker has been arrested and charged with allegedly defiling a six-year-old girl in Mogobich area, Kesses Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
The suspect, Felix Kipchumba, was arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) attached to Kesses Police Station following allegations that he sexually abused the child in a nearby maize plantation.
According to the prosecution, Kipchumba allegedly lured the girl with goodies while she was playing with other children at a neighbour’s home before directing her to follow him to a nearby maize plantation, where he allegedly committed the offence.
The child reportedly returned home and informed her mother about the incident, prompting her to rush her to a nearby county hospital, where she received treatment and was discharged.
The mother subsequently reported the matter at Kesses Police Station, prompting detectives to launch a manhunt for the suspect.
Kipchumba was arrested two days ago following investigations and was yesterday arraigned before an Eldoret court, where he denied charges of defilement and committing an indecent act with a child.
According to court documents, the accused allegedly committed the offences on diverse dates between February 2026 and September 14, 2026, in Mogobich area, Kesses Sub-County, against the minor, identified by the initials V.J.
He was charged with defilement contrary to Section 8(1), as read with Section 8(2), of the Sexual Offences Act.
The prosecution also accused him of committing an indecent act with a child, allegedly on diverse dates during the same period and at the same location.
Principal Magistrate Kimani Mukabi entered pleas of not guilty on both counts after the accused denied the allegations.
The prosecution indicated that it would call six witnesses, including the child, during the hearing and present evidence linking Kipchumba to the alleged offences.
The court granted the accused a bond of Sh200,000 with one surety and ordered that he be detained at Eldoret GK Remand Prison pending the fulfilment of the bond terms.
The case will be mentioned on October 13, 2026, for further directions.
