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.