By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
Kenya, 16 July 2026 - A father and his son were on Wednesday sentenced to a one-year jail term each for assaulting a woman on false claims of causing the disappearance of the son’s genitals.
The 49-year-old father his 19-year-old son who the court heard is a Grade 9 learner, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm contrary to Section 251 of the Penal Code.
Kilifi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike heard that the two jointly and unlawfully assaulted a female resident, occasioning her actual bodily harm.
The incident allegedly occurred on 5 July 2026, at around 5.00 p.m. in Mdangarani village, Kauma sub-county, Kilifi County.
The two convicts ignited the incident when the teenager met the woman while walking home from his farm.
After greeting her, the court heard that she asked him if he was okay.
The young man later claimed he felt a cold rush down his body and alleged that the woman, who was wearing decently according to Islamic teachings, had made his genitals disappear.
He called his father, who rushed to the scene and grabbed the woman.
The two allegedly began assaulting her and shouting that she was responsible, attracting a crowd that joined in the attack.
The woman was rescued by members of the public before being taken to Jaribuni Police Post alongside the two who has accosted her.
Police later escorted the young man to Jaribuni Dispensary, where he was examined, and a doctor also confirmed his genitals were intact and functioning well.
The woman was referred to Kilifi County Hospital for treatment and issued with a P3 form the following day.
In mitigation, the father of the son told the court that his wife was unwell and his children depended on him.
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The young man, a Grade 9 student, pleaded to be allowed to continue with school.
However, Principal Prosecution Counsel Nancy Njeru opposed leniency and prayed to the court to punish them severely.
Nancy observed the man and his son had put the life of the complainant at a great risk.
The prosecution added that such cases of mob lych over alleged witchcraft had become prevalent at the Coast, leading to loss of lives and injuries.
The court heard that the complainant, a sole breadwinner, was still ailing and suffering urinary tract complications and a fractured hand due to the assault.
In sentencing, Wasike noted the reckless conduct of the accused in reinforcing a false narrative that endangers lives.
The trial magistrate held that the community must be deterred from taking the law into their own hands.
“Cases of this nature have caused people to lose their lives, health and property,” she noted.
Each accused was sentenced to one year imprisonment with effect from 7 July 2026.
The court further directed that the complainant continue receiving treatment at Kilifi County Hospital and that the Department of Gender provide her with psychosocial support.
The two convicts were granted 14 days to appeal against the conviction and sentence.