Mandera County Commissioner (CC) Onesmus Kyatha has given a stern warning to area communities who are still practising ‘Masla’ on defilement cases, a traditional dispute resolution method.
Mr. Kyatha said the government is firm on protecting the girl child from predators adding that the government was keen on protecting and ensuring children get basic education.
“It is through protecting our children from being sexually exploited that we can ensure they not only acquire basic education but become productive members of the society, ” said Kyatha.
The CC said he was closely monitoring a case where a National Police Reservist (NPR) officer is accused of defiling a 14 year old girl in Mandera town.
The officer who is out on Sh.200, 000 bond is yet to appear in court to face defilement charges. Area security agents led by the CC have vowed to follow the case to the letter to see justice is administered.
Defilement cases in the Northeastern region and the country at large have been on the rise over the past six months when children were sent home by the government following the outbreak of Covid 19 pandemic.
By Dickson Githaiga
