Turkana County between the months of March and July this year, County Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi has said.
Speaking in Loturere village in Turkana Central sub county, when he led other police officers in distribution of masks and sanitary towels for girls, Ndanyi said the police have taken up the cases which have been reported but warned that there could be more cases which have been unreported.
“As the police we sat and thought about what we can do because the cases are increasing, so we decided to speak to the girls because they are young and vulnerable. We shall continue with the program of engaging the girls and sensitising them until we reach all stations in the county,” said Ndanyi.
He added that the police are committed to reduce the defilement cases in the whole county to ensure the girls have access to their rights like other girls in other parts of the country.
Ndanyi said the police have embarked on sensitising girls and distributing sanitary pads as well as sensitizing them on the importance of wearing facemasks.
“We decided that instead of always engaging residents in running battles we opted to speak to them on the need to observe health protocols like handwashing, social distancing and the need to wear masks,” he said.
Besides defilement, the number of teenage pregnancies has shot up in the county with the county commissioner Muthama Wambua vowing to deal firmly with parents who marry off their daughters and those responsible for marrying underage girls.
One of the beneficiaries of sanitary towels, Ekael Ibongon a student at Ngakipi girls in Turkana central sub county said the donation will go along way in improving their lives.
“We are grateful for the donations. Many girls have engaged in vices since the outbreak of cholera. We have also learnt a lot and we shall put into use,” she said.
Kanamkemer acting chief Anna Elomach said the program is very beneficial to girls by educating them on issues of defilement and hygiene.
She said the donation will help the girls by ensuring that they are not lured into illicit sex so that they can be bought sanitary towels.
“The partnership with the police is very effective because the citizens are learning that police are not enemies but parents as well,” she said.
By Peter Gitonga
