DPP Tobiko wants Liz rape case verdict enhanced

What you need to know:

  • Mr Tobiko said that the sentence failed to reflect the seriousness of the gang rape offence that had caused severe bodily harm to the girl popularly known as Liz in order to protect her identity.
  • While commending the prosecution, four lobby groups and the media for their support in the case, he expressed his disappointment with the fact that other accused persons had not been arrested and charged.
  • On Monday Chief Magistrate Margaret Wambani sentenced Owino Oduor, Fredrick Owino Odhiambo and Vincent Ouma to 15 and seven years in jail respectively after being found guilty of gang-raping and causing grievous bodily harm to Liz.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko wants the 22-year sentence granted to three men found guilty of gang-raping and causing bodily harm to a 16-year-old girl enhanced.

In a statement, the DPP says that although the sentence given by a Busia chief magistrate implied that justice had been rendered to the victim, the verdict was extremely lenient to the accused persons.

Mr Tobiko said the sentence failed to reflect the seriousness of the gang-rape offence that had caused severe bodily harm to the girl, identified as "Liz" in order to protect her identity.

While commending the prosecution, four lobby groups and the media for their support in the case, he expressed his disappointment with the fact that other accused persons had not been arrested and charged.

He has warned that the three co-accused will still be arrested if found and they will have to face prosecution.

On Monday, Chief Magistrate Margaret Wambani sentenced Owino Oduor, Fredrick Owino Odhiambo and Vincent Ouma to 15 and seven years in jail respectively after being found guilty of gang-raping and causing grievous bodily harm to Liz.

The DPP’s sentiments come after the lawyer who represented the three in the two-year-long trial announced his intention to appeal against the sentence.

Magistrate Wambani, in her ruling, ordered that the three remain remanded in prison until their appeal is heard and determined.