Kenya: Mentally ill women sexually abused in Siaya County

A member of Siaya County Assembly representing persons with disability has raised alarm over rampant sexual abuse of mentally ill persons in society.

Ms. Margaret Oketch noted that the mentally disabled have been sexually abused repeatedly, by different people.

Speaking to The Standard, Oketch said that most of the perpetrators take advantage of mentally disabled because they cannot fight back.

"It is very sad that some responsible men, most of them with families, have been sexually abusing these women because they are not able to identify the attackers," said Oketch adding that very few of these perpetrators are ever convicted.

She also added that vast majority of crimes against mentally ill people are not reported warning perpetrators that they face risk of being arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Kisumu Action Disability Development Network has raised alarm over neglect to children living in disability.

The organization noted that most of the programmes for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) have always left out children with disability.

According to the organization's Programmes Officer, Mr. Nick Andwat, the children have suffered a lot yet they are not disabled.

Speaking at the launch of the Siaya County women with disability caucus on Monday, Andwat said the plight of this group of children should be addressed urgently.

"It is very unfortunate that cash transfers being issued to persons with disability and vulnerable groups have never considered children who live with their disabled parents or guardians," said Andwat.

He added that these children have been stigmatized and should be given all the support required like counseling.

Andwat said, "In most cases, these children miss school to take care of the disabled parents. They also have a right to acquire education."

The officer at the same time petitioned the county and national governments to initiate programmes that will incorporate children with disability.