In Narok, a 22-year-old woman has found herself in legal trouble after being arraigned in court for allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy and enticing him to abandon his studies.
The accused, Mercy Chelanga, who works at a local bar in Ololulunga market in Narok North, appeared before Resident Magistrate Phyllis Shinyada to answer the charges brought against her.
According to the prosecution, Chelanga held the minor captive in her residence for over a month, during which time she subjected him to repeated sexual abuse.
The alleged incidents of abuse took place between December 16, 2022, and April 18, 2023. The boy’s mother grew concerned after her son began disappearing inexplicably from their home, and immediately began her investigations.
After conducting her inquiries, the mother was informed of her son’s whereabouts by well-wishers. She went to the woman’s residence and discovered her son locked inside while the accused was at work.
The mother reported the matter to the authorities, leading to the woman’s arrest. The boy attempted to flee into a nearby forest, but was apprehended later.
During her arraignment, the accused denied all charges leveled against her. The prosecution has submitted that Chelanga also enticed the minor to drop out of school, which is a serious offence under Kenyan law.
Chelanga has been charged with the crime of holding a minor captive and committing sexual offenses against a child, which are punishable under the Sexual Offences Act.
The Resident Magistrate has ordered that the accused be remanded in custody until the next mention of the case, scheduled for April 27, 2023. The case has sparked outrage among local residents, who are calling for justice to be served in the matter.
