Menengai deputy OCS charged with defilement of a 13-year-old girl

A Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Menengai Police Station has denied charges of defiling a 13-year-old girl in an incident alleged to have occurred in June 2022.

Inspector of Police Joseph Kipsang Ruto who appeared before Nakuru Senior Principal Magistrate denied a charge of defilement contrary to Section 8(1), as read with Section 8(3), of the Sexual Offences Act, 2006.

It is alleged that Ruto committed the offense in June 2022.

He also faces an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child

Through his lawyer, Peter Ndichu, Ruto applied to be released on bond, arguing that he had cooperated with investigators and presented himself whenever required.

His lawyer told the court that the accused had a known place of residence in Ngata, had not previously been arrested or placed on police bail in connection with the case, and had consistently attended court proceedings.

The defense also cited Ruto's health, telling the court that he had been diagnosed with hypertension and recently undergone hip replacement surgery, leaving him dependent on crutches.

The lawyer further argued that Ruto was approaching retirement and had no incentive to abscond, urging the court to grant him bond with an alternative cash bail option.

The prosecution did not oppose the application but asked the court to ensure that the investigating officers were given an opportunity to update the court on the matter. The prosecution also indicated that the necessary documents had been supplied to the defense.

In his ruling, the Senior Principal Magistrate said there were no compelling reasons to deny the accused bond and released him on a Sh100,000 bond with two sureties of a similar amount.

The court further directed Ruto not to contact prosecution witnesses, in any manner, while the case is pending.

The matter has been scheduled for mention on November 12.