The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)/HANDOUT

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged a clinician based in Yala, Siaya County, with the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old girl.

The decision follows a review of an inquiry file submitted by the National Police Service (NPS) concerning allegations that the medical practitioner sexually abused the minor.

In a statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the suspect had been charged with defilement contrary to Section 8(1), as read with Section 8(3), of the Sexual Offences Act, No. 3 of 2006.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has reviewed an inquiry file submitted by the National Police Service (NPS) concerning allegations that a clinician based in Yala, Siaya County, defiled a 14-year-old girl,” the statement said.

The ODPP did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence or indicate when the suspect was arraigned in court.

The charge falls under the Sexual Offences Act, which criminalises sexual acts involving children and prescribes penalties depending on the circumstances and age of the victim.

The ODPP reiterated that sexual offences would not be diverted from the formal justice system, insisting that such cases must be handled in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

“In accordance with the law and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) policy guidelines, sexual offences shall not be diverted and must be handled in accordance with the applicable legal framework,” the statement said.

Diversion refers to the handling of certain cases outside the formal criminal justice process. The ODPP's position means that sexual offences should proceed through the prescribed legal channels rather than being resolved through alternative arrangements.

The prosecution office said it remained committed to ensuring accountability and protecting vulnerable members of society through the exercise of its constitutional mandate.

“The ODPP reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, protecting vulnerable persons and independently, impartially and effectively discharging its constitutional mandate,” the statement added.