Man to serve 35 years for rape and robbery

A 26-year-old man has been jailed for 35 years for rape and robbery with violence.

Benjamin Kiprop Kiplagat was accused of raping a 73-year-old woman in Kimoning village, Uasin Gishu County, on the night of July 8, 2017 before violently robbing her.

While passing the judgement, Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo said the prosecution had provided enough evidence to convict Kiplagat.

In her testimony, the complainant said that on the material day she had gone to bed at 8pm. At 11pm, Kiplagat broke into her house and found her in her bedroom.

"I tried to scream but he started to strangle me. He then threatened to kill me if I continued screaming," the complainant said.

“Your honour, this boy almost killed me. I am yet to recover from the injuries that I got that night.”

Death threat

She explained how Kiplagat demanded money from her, while threatening her with death. She gave him Sh400, but he got annoyed claiming that the money was not enough.

She walked with him to a store in the house from where she handed him an extra Sh2,000. The complainant said that Kiplagat had covered his face with a blanket, but she recognised his voice.

The elderly woman said she started screaming again and Kiplagat uncovered his face and bolted out of the house.

In his defence, Kiplagat said on the day he is accused of committing the crimes, he was at home with his wife.

A man he identified only as Hassan came and knocked on his door.

“I opened the door and Hassan told me to rush to a nearby house where a man had tried to rape a woman. When I went to that house I did not find the alleged rapist. Instead I was arrested for rape," Kiplagat said.

Testimonies from more than 10 witnesses led to Kiplagat's conviction.