Former football coach Peter Muriithi has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defilement and exploitation of young boys under his care.
Kilifi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike handed down the sentence after the prosecution provided compelling evidence, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to combat child abuse in sports environments.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully argued the case, revealing how Muriithi, under the guise of mentorship, abused his position of trust. In addition to life imprisonment, he was fined Sh90 million, with an alternative 110-year prison term if he fails to pay. The charges included possession of child pornography involving explicit images and videos of an 11-year-old boy, as well as trafficking minors for sexual exploitation.
The court learned that Muriithi managed a football team composed of boys under the age of 15. Using his influence, he recruited young players and offered their families financial support to ensure silence. The court detailed that Muriithi’s offenses occurred between 2022 and 2023, around the Mwembe Tayari area in Malindi sub-county.
Additional charges under the Counter-Trafficking Persons Act further underscored the severity of his actions, as Muriithi was found guilty of trafficking minors specifically for exploitation purposes. Magistrate Wasike emphasized that the life sentence and Sh90 million fine reflect the gravity of these offenses, serving as a critical warning against child exploitation.
“Today’s sentence not only addresses the harm caused to individual victims but also sends a clear message on the importance of safeguarding children in every environment, particularly within sports where trust and mentorship are central,” stated Magistrate Wasike.
Muriithi’s conviction sheds light on the urgent need for stronger safeguarding protocols in youth sports programs and community vigilance. As awareness grows around the risks young athletes may face, this case reinforces the essential role of institutions, families, and communities in protecting minors.
Muriithi has 14 days to appeal the ruling, although legal experts consider an appeal unlikely to overturn the judgment, given the substantial evidence against him.
This conviction stands as a reminder of the real risks children can face within organized sports and highlights the ongoing commitment to creating safe spaces for young athletes. By publicizing these issues, authorities hope to encourage victims to come forward and prompt organizations to adopt preventive measures, ensuring the safety of children across the country.
This expanded version emphasizes the case’s broader implications for sports safety, raising awareness while detailing the legal repercussions and preventative measures.
