The Children Department in Kericho County has raised concern over the escalating cases of defilement in the region.
Speaking to KNA in her office, Kericho County Assistant Director of Children’s Services Jane Rono regretted that cases of defilement amongst girl of between 12 and 15 age bracket were being reported to their office on daily basis with those entrusted with the minors’ wellbeing preying on them.
“These cases are rampant especially in Sosiot and Sondu areas and the saddest part is that most cases involve close relatives, parents and acquaintances,” Rono stressed.
She called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and report cases of sexual abuse to authorities so that victims get justice. “Most guardians are being intimidated not to report these cases thus denying victims justice,” the assistant director said adding that many girls are sexually abused after being lured with goodies by the culprits.
“My office is trying to create awareness through the media as a way of sensitizing the community on how to deal with Gender-Based Violence especially defilement,” she pointed out.
Rono also urged religious leaders to strive to instill morals to the society to curb the vice that mostly affect school children in the region.
On his part Kericho County Police Commander Silas Mathiu warned defilers that they would be dealt with severely once apprehended adding security personnel were committed to protecting the girl child from sex abuse and other forms of harm.
“Once a defilement case has been reported to police, it becomes a state case and cannot be withdrawn. We are aware of the rising number of defilement cases in villages and we will continue to take stern action against perpetrators of the vice,” assured Mathiu.
By Kibe Mburu
