Chinese National Handed 10-Year Jail Term for In-Flight Assault of Minor

Often, the skies are seen as a neutral space for travelers, but a recent incident aboard a China Southern Airlines flight has shattered that sense of security, resulting in a landmark ruling at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport court. 

Li Jianjun, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl while she was asleep.

The incident occurred on December 7, 2025, while the victim was traveling from Changsha to Nairobi to attend a United Nations conference. 

Prosecutors demonstrated that Jianjun, who was en route to Kenya to perform technical work at a local shoe factory, exploited the travel environment to commit the crime.

The court heard harrowing details of the assault, with the teenager testifying that she was jolted awake by the sensation of someone touching her leg.

“Li is sentenced to 10 years in prison. The time starts to run from the date of his arrest, and upon completion of his prison term, Li is to be repatriated back to his country by the Immigration Department,” Njeri Thuku, Senior Principal Magistrate at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport court, ruled, as  statement by Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions.

Defense Arguments Rejected

During the proceedings, Jianjun attempted to escape accountability by offering a series of excuses for his conduct. 

He claimed that the cramped seating configuration of the aircraft led to accidental contact, arguing that he felt “squashed” in his seat.

 Furthermore, he maintained his innocence, asserting that he had been asleep for the duration of the flight and had no interaction with the minor.

Judicial Findings and Impact

Magistrate Thuku dismissed the defense’s claims, noting that the prosecution had successfully met the burden of proof required to secure a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The court emphasized the credibility of the victim’s testimony, highlighting the lasting psychological impact the encounter has had on the young delegate.