Thika, Thursday, March 14, 2024 KNA by Muoki Charles
An Eldoret-based Catholic Priest accused of defiling an 11-year-old destitute girl at his Buruburu apartment, Nairobi County, for three consecutive years, will continue being held in custody for two more weeks, when a Thika court will determine his Bond application.
Fr James Kimani Kairo of Eldoret Parish, had applied to be released on Bond after pleading not guilty to the charges before Chief Magistrate, Stella Atambo.
He faced two charges of defilement and indecent assault to a minor.
Fr Kairo was charged that on diverse dates between August 2020 and 2023, in Buruburu Phase 5, Nairobi County, he intentionally defiled a minor. He also faced an alternative charge of indecent assault.
The minor is said to have been adopted by the priest from a Thika-based children’s home in November 2017, and they were staying together with the Priest’s legal wife, before the affair erupted.
The Investigating Officer, Tom Musungu, strongly opposed the Bond application by the Priest through his lawyer, Jacklyn Gitau, arguing that releasing the priest would jeopardize the case since both the minor and the priest’s legally wed wife are major witnesses in the case.
“Since the priest had a special relationship with the minor being the legal guardian and provider at one time, he may easily trace her and jeopardize the case. Also, the wife is a witness and he may influence her. I therefore strongly oppose his release on bond,” the officer said.
The arguments were echoed by the prosecution led by Christin Torome who argued that the accused being a priest is in a position of influence and power that he can likely use to interfere with the witnesses.
The Priest was arrested in January this year and has since separated from his wife. The minor is in safe custody.
The ruling on the Bond application will be on March 27.
Courtesy; KNA
