Nairobi: A 54-year-old senior nurse from Maralal County Referral Hospital has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for defiling a 15-year-old girl left under his care. James Ikonya received the sentence from Maralal Senior Principal Magistrate Gatambia Ndung’u after being found guilty of the offence, which took place at the minor’s mother’s house in Maralal town.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ikonya, a father of four, had initially denied the charges when he appeared in court. The court heard that at the time of the offence, Ikonya was involved in a romantic relationship with the girl’s mother. Evidence presented in court indicated that the incident occurred on May 23, 2025, when Ikonya was entrusted with caring for three children while their mother was out of town.
The court was informed that at approximately 3:30 a.m., Ikonya entered the children’s bedroom and defiled the minor. Following this, he threatened her with harm if she disclosed the incident. The crime was uncovered the next day when the girl’s mother returned and noticed her daughter’s difficulty in walking. Upon questioning, the minor revealed the ordeal.
During the mitigation phase, Ikonya sought leniency, highlighting his role as the sole breadwinner for his family. However, Magistrate Ndung’u emphasized the severity of the offence, highlighting the breach of trust given that Ikonya was responsible for the children’s safety and well-being. The magistrate underscored the vulnerability of the victim while delivering the sentence.
Ikonya was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment, with the court providing him a 14-day window to appeal the conviction and sentence.
