Roho Rue church in Rachuonyo South Sub County has given out land to the government to build a child rehabilitation centre to cater for the welfare of children who are in conflict with the law.
“When the centre is built it will separate young offenders from the influence of older criminals and provide education and training in the hope that would make inmates less likely re-offend when out,” said Boaz Magero the organizing secretary for Oyugis Court Users’ committee (CUC).
Magero told the media that currently, the only child correction centre is in Manga, Nyamira County serving the whole of south Nyanza region.
He said the new centre will decongest Manga and at the same time, cut the cost of transporting child offenders all the way to Manga.
Magero thanked the leadership of the church led by the late bishop Barnabas Akello who served as CUC member in the past years for their action which he said was beyond measure.
Magero was speaking Wednesday during a tour of the land which is about one and half acres located about 4kms from Kosele trading centre at Ong’ang in north Kamagak location.
During the tour, the Oyugis CUC chairperson and principal magistrate Oyugis law court Benard Omwansa called for proper demarcation and fencing of the land, and acquisition of the title deed for any government project to proceed.
Nuhu Omollo Abdul Masoud, a CUC member representing Supkem Homabay County who was also present, said the quest for a child rehabilitation centre was started about 10 years ago and is a thorn in the flesh until it comes to fruition.
He called on the leadership of Homa Bay County government, well-wishers and people of goodwill to come and work in collaboration with the Judiciary to support the initiative for the sake of the children.
By Moseti Julius
