19-Year-Old Requests Court Not to Imprison Ex-Boyfriend for Alleged Defilement When She Was 16, Expresses Love for Him

Sharlet Maria pleaded with the Mombasa law courts not to imprison her ex-boyfriend, Paul Luhanzo, who allegedly defiled her when she was 16 years old. She expressed her love for him and revealed that they had a child together, despite her parents’ disapproval. Maria stated that they had consensual sexual intercourse, and that Luhanzo had been taking care of their child. She asked the court to consider her plea and the fact that if Luhanzo was jailed, who would take care of their child if her father did not help. The court then requested a social enquiry report to help them make a decision.