Protect us, prostitutes tell government

By Mary Kamande

Commercial sex workers in Thika have decried harassment by the police.

Speaking to journalists, the women said police harass them for no apparent reason.

They alleged that the law enforcers, some known to them by name arrest and force them to have sex with them without protection.

"Prostitution was there even during the time of Jesus and Jesus Himself defended a prostitute from being stoned to death. Why then is the government failing in its obligation to protect us?" wondered a sex worker.

The women said they have held meetings with senior police officers over the matter but nothing has been done to protect them.

But Thika OCPD, Mr Paul Leting dismissed their claims saying prostitution in the town would not be tolerated.

He acknowledged that there has been an influx of people into the town and a corresponding increase in the number of prostitutes.

He however warned that no illicit activity would be allowed in the town.

"We will ensure that the town remains clean, including removal of prostitutes. We will not let them have that time. It cannot be entertained," he said, warning that police will round up all idlers found in the town’s streets during odd hours.

"Anybody found moving around at odd hours, after the legal bar operating hours, should not blame us. All of them will be rounded up. We have enough space to keep them," he added.

Leting said similar efforts would be put in place to avert other criminal activities during the festive season.

Leting said that officers accused of having affairs with the sex workers would be dealt with.

"We will deal with them equally," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Barrack Ondiek, an activist of sex workers’ rights said the victims were ready to pay tax if only the government could recognise their trade as legal, and protect them.

His SASA organisation also donated condoms for use by the workers this festive season.