Coach Sentenced to Life, Fined Ksh.90 Million Over Child Abuse in Malindi
In a landmark ruling, former football coach Peter Muriithi has been handed a life sentence following his conviction for sexually abusing young boys under his care as their coach. Kilifi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike delivered the sentence, aiming to set a stern example in cases of child abuse and exploitation.
Alongside the life imprisonment, Muriithi was slapped with a Ksh.90 million fine. Should he default on this fine, he faces an additional 110 years in prison for multiple offences, including possession of child pornography and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
These charges are in line with Section 3(1), read with Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act No. 8 of 2010, and cover his possession of obscene videos involving a minor aged 11.
The prosecution detailed Muriithi’s pattern of luring families of his victims with financial support as a tactic to ensure their silence. “The court was informed by the prosecution how the accused, who managed a football team of under-15 players, manipulated families by offering them financial assistance as a way to buy their silence over his actions,” stated the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on Friday.
The offences took place between 2022 and 2023 in the Mwembe Tayari area of Malindi sub-county, where Muriithi exploited his position to target vulnerable young boys. The former coach has 14 days to appeal the court’s decision.
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Coach Sentenced to Life, Fined Ksh.90 Million Over Child Abuse in Malindi
