Two men have each been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted in separate cases of defiling two 13-year-old schoolgirls in Kwale County.

First case, Mboga Abubakar Bedera, 22, was convicted of defilement contrary to Section 8(1) and Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act. Principal Magistrate Rose Ombata found him guilty of defiling a 13-year-old girl on December 30, 2022 in Msambweni Sub-County.

The court heard that Bedera lured the girl into his house after she arrived with three friends. He ordered the other children out and forced her to stay inside. She tried to leave, but he stopped her and locked the door. When she screamed, he covered her mouth and threatened to beat her as he assaulted her.

Afterwards, the girl went home, bathed and later rejoined her friends. At about 7pm, a friend took her to his parents’ home, where she disclosed that Bedera had defiled her.

Bedera initially denied the allegation but later asked for forgiveness when the girl’s father threatened to report the matter to police. With the help of neighbours, the girl and Bedera were taken to the police station, where statements were recorded.

The girl was later taken to Msambweni Hospital for examination and treatment, while Bedera was placed in custody.

The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Collins Orwa, called four witnesses. Ombata found their evidence credible and corroborated by medical evidence, saying it proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In the second case, Resident Magistrate Joy Mutimba sentenced Chamambo Mangale Ngati, 58, to 20 years for defiling a 13-year-old schoolgirl. The charge sheet said Ngati defiled the girl at about 7am on October 9, 2025, in Msambweni Sub-County. The Grade Five pupil was on her way to school when he took her into his room and assaulted her.

After she disclosed what had happened, her mother raised the alarm and, with the help of another man, apprehended Ngati.

The girl was taken to Diani Health Centre for examination and treatment, and P3 and PRC forms were completed.

The prosecution, through counsel Khamis Mahdi, called four witnesses. The court found their evidence consistent and sufficient to prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt.

Mutimba said defilement of school-going children is rampant and that a deterrent sentence was necessary to protect children.

Both convicts have 14 days to appeal against their convictions and sentences.