US teen, in Kenya rape case, to remain in custody

An American teenager who has been accused of rape at a children's home in Kenya was ordered to remain in custody by a US judge.

Matthew Durham, 19, of Edmond has been in custody after his arrest last month.

He returned home from Kenya where he had been accused of sexual crimes against the minors during a mission trip.

US District Judge David Russell had ruled on Monday that Durham could be released on a $10,000 (KSh850,000) bond on condition that his father agreed to be his custodian, his passport is surrendered to the court and he would not leave the house.

OVERTURNED RULING

However, US prosecutors appealed the ruling and Judge Russell ordered Durham to remain in custody pending his ruling on the appeal.

US Prosecutors challenging his release on bond said Durham could be a flight risk and a danger to the public.

Durham who was a volunteer at Upendo Children’s Home near Juja has been accused of raping children aged between 6 and 9.

The crimes are said to have been committed between April and June 2014.

Prior to returning to the US, Durham had confessed to the crimes after being confronted by the orphanage’s owner.

FACE CHARGES IN KENYA

Durham was charged in Edmond, Oklahoma on July 18 after his arrest the previous day.

However, Defence attorneys now claim that Durham was coerced and pressured into confessing.

During bond hearing, the teen’s parents and church pastor testified that the confessions which were both in written statements and on video were coerced.

According to the prosecutors, Kenyan officials were pursuing extradition for Durham to face charges in the country.