Kitale Catholic priest charged with defilement of girl, 14
A Catholic priest has been arraigned in Kitale court for allegedly defiling a minor who was his congregant at a local church.
What you need to know:
- The defence counsel also argued that the priest, who is currently sick and on medication, needs close attention during his recovery from a back problem.
- The court was told that the priest has been on treatment since 2023.
A Catholic priest has been arraigned in Kitale court for allegedly defiling a minor who was his congregant at a local church.
Father Daniel Gitau Waweru is accused of defiling a 14-year-old girl between 2021 and 2022 while serving as the priest in charge of Kipsaina Catholic Church in Trans Nzoia County.
The man of cloth was arrested after investigations that saw him sent on leave to allow independent inquiries into the matter.
The cleric denied the charges when he appeared before Kitale Resident Magistrate Irene Kabute on Friday and the court on Tuesday, December 17, to decide on his bond application.
The prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that the priest was a flight risk due to the nature of the crime committed.
"You honour it took police officers 12 hours to get hold of him since he kept on switching his phone off and for the sake of his safety owing to the offence he committed he should be held in custody," argued the prosecution.
They further said the priest, being a public figure, may interfere with witnesses, a case the prosecution observed has a lot of public interest.
A senior police officer, who was involved in the arrest of the priest, told the court during his cross-examination by defence lawyer Richard Nyamu that the case had long been under investigation by officers from the Child Protection Unit.
"My first encounter with the accused person was when the Kitale Catholic Diocese bishop organised a meeting where we pieced together evidence and completed our investigations. It has been difficult to arrest him since he kept his phone on and off," Chief Inspector Julia Busienei told the court.
Drama unfolded in the court when the prosecution tried to hand over Sh100,000 to the priest, which he had deposited as bail when he was arrested on December 11.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Everlyn Mboya, was also in court as part of a team of investigators on the matter that has captured public attention.
Walking on crutches, Fr. Waweru appeared in court together with his family members where his advocate argued that there were no compelling reasons to deny him bond.
"There is no evidence that members of the public are baying for the priest's blood or intend to harm him. The prosecution has not also provided this court the venue where the accused person will meet the complaint or witnesses in the case,” argued Mr Nyamu.
He disclosed the fact that the prosecution had given him a cash bail was a clear indication that his client was not a threat if he was granted a bond.
The defence counsel also argued that the priest, who is currently sick and on medication, needs close attention during his recovery from a back problem.
The court was told that the priest has been on treatment since 2023.
