KINGSTON (JAMAICA)
Jamaica Observer [Kingston, Jamaica]
July 20, 2023
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica— The Kenyan Roman Catholic priest accused of assaulting a 12-year-old girl was granted $800,000 bail in the St Catherine Parish Court in Spanish Town on Wednesday.
Lawrence Muvengi is to return to court on September 27. He was given bail with up to two sureties and was also ordered to surrender his travel documents.
The priest is to report to the Matilda’s Corner Police Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and is not to be seen in the parish of St Catherine, except for court.
The court is alleging that Muvengi sexually assaulted the child on the church premises.
The incident reportedly happened last March but was not reported until last month. The child is said to have been a member of the church for several years.
Muvengi is charged with having sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years, sexual touching of a child, grievous sexual assault and abduction of a child under 16 years.
Allegations are that the priest took the child to his house after service, where she was sexually assaulted. It is further alleged that about two weeks later, the priest fondled the child’s rear.
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, the matter was reported to the police, and an investigation launched. The priest was subsequently placed on the ID parade, where he was pointed out.