Anger over Kisumu chiefs who administer corporal punishment to women

Kisumu, Kenya: Residents of Kisumu County's Kombewa area have raised alarm over alleged corporal punishment administered to women by some area chiefs.

Angry locals have registered their displeasure following the vice they said they have endured for a long time and now appeal to the provincial administration to save them from the 'rogue' officers.

Celine Otieno, 27, was admitted at Kombewa sub county hospital after reportedly being assaulted by Lower Kombewa Sub Chief Marcus Odemba in July.

The mother of four recalls the embarrassment caused to her after the administrator allegedly caned her using a whip made of hippopotamus skin after she was accused by her employer of stealing household appliances worth Sh20, 000.

Sadly, the physical assault came after she was cleared by the police of not committing the crime.

"I found myself in the hospital after he caned and insulted me in public where there was a chief baraza," she bemoans as she displays her injured limb to journalists.

After undergoing a check-up from the hospital, the medical report indicated that she was assaulted and had injuries in her upper limb and in the head.

The chiefs are reportedly so brave that they do not even fear the elites in the area.

An Early Childhood Development Education teacher Christine Awino had also suffered in the hands of another sub chief Calleb Apondi of Upper Kombewa sub location over family issues.

"He tied me on a tree before a public gathering and whipped me until I lost strength," she recalls.

Addressing the press in Seme, a women rights organisation, Women Concern Center's Managing Director Margret Omondi said they had received seven such cases in the area.

"We are keenly following up the cases because it is sad to learn that chiefs who are charged with the mandate of protecting human rights have now turned to be the violators," she said.

"Our paralegal based in this area is currently handling the cases and brought the matter before the area deputy commissioner," she added.

The locals claim the chiefs are so powerful that they (residents) fear reporting cases of women abuse to relevant authorities due to fear of victimisation.

The chiefs are alleged to have the blessings of area deputy county commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo.

However, Mr Kitiyo who has served in the area for five years insisted he had not received such reports, but said his office would launch formal investigations into the matter.

"Some of my officers in question are very hardworking individuals, I challenge the assault victims to come forth and help us with investigations," he said.

But after being tipped that the media was following up the matter, the chiefs who were holding a meeting at the Seme sub county headquarters guiltily walked away upon seeing the press.