Women Leaders Condemn Rising Defilement Cases in Kisii County
Women leaders in Kisii County, led by County Women Representative Janet Ongera, have strongly condemned the increase in defilement cases, calling for urgent action to end the menace. The remarks came after inspecting the construction of a rescue center for gender-based violence victims in Kisii town.
The leaders were particularly outraged by the alleged defilement of a 6-year-old girl by her step-father in Kenyoro village, Marani Sub-County. Ongera criticized local chiefs for laxity, citing over nine cases in Kisii County where victims had not received justice.
Bathsheba Sanaya, nominated MCA and chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, condemned the use of kangaroo courts and out-of-court settlements that circumvent justice for victims. Josephine Ombati, another nominated MCA, called on men to take responsibility for protecting the Gusii community and ensuring defilement is eradicated.
The women leaders emphasized a concerted effort by authorities and the community to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice.