A Catholic priest from Trans Nzoia County, Father Daniel Gitau Waweru was on Friday charged for defiling a 14-year-old minor.
The priest, who served in the Kipsaina area of Cherangany, was arraigned in the Kitale Law Court on Friday December 13, where he was accused of engaging in sexual acts with a young congregant on multiple occasions between 2021 and 2022.
The priest is charged with committing an indecent act with the minor, a child under the age of consent, as well as an alternative charge of forcefully penetrating the victim.
Father Waweru appeared in court visibly frail and walking with crutches, supported by family members.
The emotional toll of the case was evident as the priest denied all charges.
Despite his physical condition, the courtroom became the stage for a heated exchange between the prosecution and defence lawyers
The prosecution argued strongly against the release of the priest on bond, highlighting several concerns.
In affidavit filed by Chief Inspector Julia Busienei, representing the prosecution, expressed fears that Father Waweru might flee, noting that it took police officers 12 hours to locate him after he deliberately switched off his phone.
The Prosecution also cited safety concerns, fearing potential harm to the priest due to the seriousness of the charges.
Moreover, the prosecution warned that the priest’s position as a public figure might lead to interference with witnesses.
“For the sake of his safety and the severity of the offense, he should remain in custody,” said the prosecution.
In contrast, the defence lawyer, Richard Nyamu, countered these claims, arguing that the prosecution had not provided enough evidence to support the notion that Father Waweru posed a flight risk.
Nyamu emphasized that his client could easily be located within the diocese in Kitale.
The defence also noted that there was no public indication of any intention to harm the priest.
“It is a mockery of justice to deny my client bond on the grounds that he is a flight risk when no evidence has been provided to support this claim,” Nyamu stated.
Additionally, the defence argued that Father Waweru’s health condition should be taken into consideration.
They explained that he had been undergoing treatment for a back problem since 2023, and his condition required medical care, which would be best managed if he were allowed to recover under close supervision.
The prosecution’s case took another turn when they attempted to return Sh 100,000 in cash that had been previously deposited as bail during the priest’s arrest on December 11.
The court was informed by police officers, including Assistant Superintendent of Police Everlyn Mboya, that it had been particularly challenging to track Father Waweru.
He had kept his phone on and off in an attempt to avoid detection.
“My first encounter with the accused was when the Kitale Catholic Diocese Bishop organized a meeting. We pieced together evidence and completed the investigation. However, it was difficult to arrest him as he kept switching his phone on and off,” Chief Inspector Busienei explained in court.
Father Waweru, who is currently suspended from his duties and stationed in Endebess, had been cooperating with police during the investigation.
He had given a statement to investigators in September 2023, following a meeting organized by the Kitale Diocese.
The case, which has been under investigation for over a year, continues to capture public attention.
However, Magistrate Irene Kabuteh postponed the decision on whether the accused would be granted bond.
The ruling will be made on December 17, after considering all the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Father Waweru is currently in remand prison awaiting his bail ruling.
