Society must be more vigilant on paedophilia

We are concerned at a pattern of silence in some institutions in the face of evidence of members abusing or molesting children.

While the passing of laws like the Children Act in 2002 and the Sexual Offences Act in 2006, this country has achieved global recognition for providing increased protection for the young. On paper. The success of programmes like the Orphans and Vulnerable Children cash transfers indicates progress in some areas, while the difficulties victims face in getting laws enforced show where improvement is needed.

But Government can only do so much to better the lot of our children. Their well-being is, to a large extent, dependent on society offering them greater protection by not covering up evidence of paedophilia or incest, ensuring the people who prey on children are brought to book and, in cases where victims stand up for justice, not stigmatising them.

While the public is often outraged by stories of perverted individuals preying on large groups of children, it seems more willing to turn a blind eye to isolated incidents involving fewer victims.

Too many attacks are hushed up by victims’ families, police, religious groups and others. While aware of the danger of false accusations, especially where publicity-hungry non-profit organisations are involved, Kenyans need to make it easier for survivors of abuse to confront their molesters and prove the truth of their accusations. We must not stigmatise those attacked as this just hides the scale of the problem.