Residents of Kenyoro village, Kegogi Ward in Kisii County have expressed their anger after a man allegedly defiled his six-year old step-daughter on Saturday evening, leaving her with serious injuries.
Marani Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner, Mr David Saruni confirmed the incident and said that efforts have been put to apprehend the perpetrator who is still in hiding.
A neighbor of the victim who sought anonymity claimed that Julius Bogonko committed the crime and went into hiding after reports from Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) indicated that the child was defiled as opposed to her mother’s earlier statement that she suffered nail injuries.
Ms Ruth Manoti, a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Activist, who led demonstrators at Marani Sub-County Headquarters to push for the arrest of the perpetrator alleged that justice in rural areas is interfered with by local authorities.
“You (women) are the voice of all women and children at home. During this Coronavirus pandemic lockdown, children are at home and let’s protect them,” Manoti added.
Ms Esnas Nyaramba, another activist, urged women to avoid protecting rape suspects and speak up whenever such cases occur to ensure justice for the victims.
By Erastus Michieka and Mercy Osongo
