Incidences of defilement and rape in Vihiga County have been on the rise. This raises questions on the effectiveness of girl-child empowerment programmes in the region. Hundreds of girls have been defiled and a considerable number of them by close relatives.
Their predicament also thrusts them into conflict with their communities. This is because of existing beliefs and traditions on incest, exposing them to inhumane treatment. This appears not only rampant, but generally condoned.
A 15-year-old girl was raped by a doctor who apparently is expected to be at the fore front in sensitizing the society on the effect of rape and child molestation.
In July last year, an eight-year-old girl was defiled by her uncle. The girl, now infected with HIV and syphilis, is said to have been threatened by the relative not to reveal the atrocious act. It was suspected that she was molested repeatedly over a short period of time.
Sadly, these are just among many other scattered victims who are dealing with rising cases of defilement. Child and legal experts attribute it to a culture of tolerance towards sexual violence on minors, which tends to protect the aggressor, mostly a relative or close family friend.
According to the children’s office in Vihiga County, more than 32 cases of defilement were reported in the second quarter of last year.
Majority of the cases (28 out of 32) were incest-related; the victims were aged between three and 15. However, a majority of cases go unreported because many families opt to settle the matter at home.
Boda boda operators have been identified as being behind the high number of incest cases in the county. But a closer look at it indicates that this goes beyond the boda boda operators.
The society seems to have abandoned its primary responsibility. The church and the police too, seem too concerned with money than the morals in the society.
The courts on the other hand have become too lenient on the victims. This has eventually put the little girls at risk of not only being raped but also being infected with HIV and other sexual diseases.
Who will protect our girls? One wonders.
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