A shocking undated video footage of seven men taking turns raping a helpless woman begging for mercy emerged early last year and immediately went viral on social media.
The suspects captured the crime on a mobile phone and shared it on social media.
The uproar and condemnation it attracted triggered action from the police, with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Department (DCI) taking charge. Investigations pinned eight suspects at the scene, their faces clearly visible in the footage. The crime took place at a house in Chebanyiny village, Chepalungu Constituency, Bomet County.
Three of the five suspects charged in court with committing the offence have now been found guilty of gang rape and each sentenced to serve 35 years in prison.
Carlos Kipkorir Sigei, Weldon Sigei Kibet, and Anderson Kipkoech Sigei were convicted by the Bomet Chief Magistrate who stated that the Directorate of Public Prosecution had proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt. Two other suspects were set free by the court for lack of compelling evidence.
The woman at the centre of the act is said to have gone to Kapkwen area in Chepalungu to visit her aunt on the material day. In the evidence adduced in court, at around 11 pm, her boyfriend picked her up from her aunt’s place and took her to his home in Chebanyiny village.
The man is said to have stepped out and made a telephone call that lasted about seven minutes before returning to the house. Ten minutes later, six men arrived, and one of them went to the bedroom and ordered her to undress. When she declined, the man whipped out a sword and threatened to stab her, forcing her into submission. The men then took turns raping her.
When the video of the incident was circulated in April 2024, she was kicked out of her home by family members, saying she had become a disgrace. However, her mother later asked her to come back. It is then that she learnt that police officers were looking for her in connection with the incident.
She went to Bomet police station where she recorded a statement. A parade was later conducted and she positively identified five of the seven suspects who had been arrested.
About the Author
