Kilifi bishop accused of defiling 12-yr-old girl punched in court

By Lazarus Maitha

Bishop Paul Mwangi Kamau of Apostolic Congregation in Spirit Ministry in Taru, Kilifi County had a difficult time leaving the Mariakani Magistrate’s Court on Friday after he was charged with raping a 12-year-old girl.

The court heard that Kamau defiled the minor on diverse dates between December 28 and December 31, 2016 at the Taru Township, which is located near the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

The crime he allegedly committed, the court was told, contravened Section 8 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2006.

The suspect also faced another charge of committing an indecent act with a child, contrary to Section 1 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act.

On the second count, it is alleged that Kamau intentionally touched the girl’s breasts and private parts between December 2016 and August 2019.

The suspect, said to be in his 60s, denied the charges before Senior Resident Magistrate Stephen Ngii, and was released on a Ksh100, 000 cash bail.

Tens of people -- comprising the pastor’s supporters and those who were appalled by the alleged crime that he committed -- crowded the court and attentively followed the proceedings.

And, after Kamau posted bail and secured his freedom Friday afternoon, those who were against his release, tried to beat him up.

During the resultant melee, Kamau was punched in the face by his critics.

Drama thereafter escalated when a faction that believed the preacher was innocent, attempted to rebuff the physical attacks that were being directed at the accused.

Security agents at the court had to rein in on the chaotic attendees.

Kamau’s supporters, however, managed to cover his face using shawls and led him to a waiting bodaboda that sped off to an unknown destination.

The court heard that the suspect housed his victim and nine other girls aged between 12 and 15 at his Taru home.

Besides, accommodating them, Kamau allegedly oversaw the girls’ education at a private primary school owned by the Apostolic Church. The accused is one of the directors at the learning institution.

Kamau is expected back in court on October 24.