Catholic priest Rev. Dominic Muli Nzioka, found guilty of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl, was sentenced to spend the next three years preaching about sexual crimes law to his congregation.
The controversial decision was handed down by Justice Anne Ong’iinjo on March 7th.
Initially, in June 2023, Rev. Dominic Muli Nzioka of Mivumoni Parish was sentenced to seven years in prison by a magistrate’s court.
However, he appealed, and the justice overturned the initial sentence, instead placing Nzioka on probation. He is mandated to deliver a sermon on the anti-sexual abuse law at least once a month
His compliance will be closely monitored by church authorities and his probation officer.
Nzioka’s legal troubles began after allegations surfaced that he had sent a text message to a 16-year-old girl, inviting her to his residence during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The victim later testified that Nzioka had offered her alcohol before making inappropriate advances.
Despite objections from some quarters, including community organizer Shamsa Abubakar Fidhili, who criticized the ruling as too lenient, the court’s decision stands.
The sentence has ignited debate among clergy members, with some expressing surprise at the court’s interference in religious matters.
By Vivian K.