Three brothers jailed for a total of 105 years for viral gang rape in Bomet

Three brothers in Bomet have been sentenced to 35 years in prison each for the gang rape of a woman, an incident captured on a viral video. The shocking case drew nationwide attention and outrage.

Chief Magistrate Esther Booke found Carlos Sigei, Weldon Sigei and Anderson Sigei guilty of gang-raping a woman in Chepalungu Constituency on December 23, 2023.

The trio were arrested after a video of the assault circulated widely online.

“Each of you will spend 35 years in prison without the option of a fine, as this Court has found you guilty. You have 14 days to appeal,” ruled Booke on Thursday, November 28.

The court noted that it had considered the accused’s mitigations and the victim’s impact assessment report, but found the offence grave and traumatising. The widely circulated video had left the victim stigmatised and worsened her suffering.

The court dismissed the suspects’ claims that the act was staged by the woman and her boyfriend, observing that the video clearly showed the victim in pain and helpless.

Booke further noted that the boyfriend was innocent, and that attempts by the suspects to shift the blame did not absolve them of responsibility.

The court added that the sentence was necessary not only as punishment, but also to allow the offenders to undergo rehabilitation so they can reintegrate into society upon release.

However, Booke ordered that the sentence should count from April 2024.

The suspects have 14 days to appeal. The prosecution, led by Peter Wainaina, welcomed the judgement, saying it sends a strong warning to perpetrators of sexual violence.

Seven men were initially arrested and arraigned in court following the incident. The investigation revealed that the video was shared on social media following a fallout among the group members.

The victim remained unidentified and untraced for a period after the video’s release, as the matter was initially not reported to the police.

The court’s recent ruling brings a conclusion to the case for the three convicted brothers.