Mukurwe-ini Magistrate’s Court sentenced Jairus Githendu Irenyo after finding him guilty of raping an elderly neighbour.
A court has sentenced a 40-year-old man to 10 years in prison in a Nyeri rape case involving an 86-year-old woman. Jairus Githendu Irenyo attacked the survivor at her home in Gitura Village, Kiharo Location, Mukurwe-ini.
Magistrate Agade Savai Eddah convicted Irenyo on October 14, 2026, and sentenced him on October 29, 2026. Sarah Nanyama Kitui led the prosecution on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Survivor sought help from area chief
The court heard that Irenyo attacked the woman on September 1, 2025. He entered her home after damaging part of the wall beside the door. He then restrained and raped her, using force and threats of violence.
After the attack, the survivor approached the area chief because she feared for her safety. She reported the incident and also alleged that Irenyo had assaulted her on previous occasions. She said shame had kept her from reporting those earlier incidents.
The chief then referred her to the police, prompting investigations that led to Irenyo’s prosecution. A neighbour also testified that they heard the survivor’s distress calls on the night of the attack.
Evidence in the Nyeri rape case
The prosecution called six witnesses to support its case against Irenyo. They included the chief, the neighbour, a clinical officer and the investigating officer. Prosecutors also submitted medical examination records and laboratory request forms, alongside photographs showing damage to the survivor’s house.
In its judgment, the Mukurwe-ini Magistrate’s Court found that prosecutors had proved the elements of rape beyond reasonable doubt. It also accepted the survivor’s identification of Irenyo, noting that she knew him as a neighbour and former farmhand.
Irenyo claimed he was elsewhere when the attack occurred, but the court rejected his defence. The conviction fell under Section 3(1)(a) and (b), read with Section 3(3), of the Sexual Offences Act.
