Police in Kwale County are holding a senior civil servant for allegedly defiling a 17-year-old orphaned Form Two girl who is under the care of a children’s home.
The suspect, Enoch Masita who works with the Department of Social Protection as an Assistant Social Development Officer, is said to have defiled the girl in a lodging in Kwale town on December 15.
The victim, who is a student at a secondary school in Taita-Taveta County, lives at Upendo Children’s Home, Kwale.
The girl was dropped at the guest house by a boda boda taxi after being lured from her grandmother’s place by the suspect.
It is claimed that the suspect gave the girl Sh1, 000 and promised her a mobile phone to buy her secrecy about the incident, but she decided to reveal the truth to her grandmother who alerted human rights activists.
Area OCPD Mr. Joel Chesire confirmed the incident saying after it was reported to the police investigations commenced immediately culminating in the arrest of the suspect.
“We received complaints about a government officer suspected to have defiled the girl after which action was taken. The victim was taken to hospital where she was confirmed to have been sexually abused,” said Mr. Chesire adding that the suspect was in police custody.
He added that police had completed investigations and the suspect will be taken to court tomorrow.
“It is sad to see an officer who is supposed to provide social welfare services to the public including children turning against them,” he said.
He decried the rising cases of sexual offences in the area while warning that the culprits will be dealt with firmly.
An official with Haki Africa, Mr. Alexander Mbela condemned the incident saying the human rights organisation will ensure that the victim gets justice.
“This region is grappling with rampant sexual abuse cases many of them involving minors but unfortunately suspects go unpunished,” said Mr. Mwangeka noting that such victims deserve justice.
By Shaban Omar and James Muchai
