Leaders call for arrest of girl’s defilers, killers

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga (in red T-shirt), Ndhiwa sub-county Police Commander Evans Ombui, Nairobi Speaker Beatrice Elachi, former nominated Senator Judith Sijeny and Kanyamwa Kosewe MCA Nicholas Owaka address journalists at Ndhiwa police station.

Leaders and residents of Ndhiwa Sub-county held demonstrations against the killing of a 12-year-old girl who was defiled and murdered. 

Tiffany Achieng’ was defiled and killed by unknown assailants on Saturday last week, and her body dumped on a path at Lwanda B Village in East Kanyamwa.

The demonstrations on Wednesday in Ndhiwa town were led by Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, Kanyamwa Kosewe MCA Nicholas Owaka, his colleagues Richard Ogindo (Kwabwai) and Oscar Abote (South Kabuoch), Nairobi Speaker Beatrice Elachi and former nominated senator Judith Sijeny.

The protest ended at Ndhiwa Police Station where the leaders held a meeting with the police. The protesters wanted the police to speed up investigations that would lead to the arrest of Achieng’s killers.

“It is sad that someone can defile and kill such a young girl. The perpetrators must be brought to book,” Ms Wanga said.

She asked residents to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.

“The killers are in this community. There must be someone who knows at least one of them,” she added.

Ms Elachi called for an end to all forms of defilement, including incest, which she said had become common.

Ndhiwa Sub-county Police Commander Evans Ombui said his team of investigators were working round the clock to bring the suspects to book.

Achieng’s family said they would not bury her until the suspects are brought to book.

Bradox Onyango, her grandfather, said they made the decision at the request of fellow villagers.

“Villagers feel that burying her body before any arrest is made may make authorities relax in taking action,” he said.