BY SHABAN OMAR
Local authorities in Kwale County have raised alarm over the surging number of child abuse in Msambweni sub-county.
The defilement cases are soaring despite heightened awareness campaigns and prosecution efforts.
According to County Police Commander Ali Nuno, police data shows at least 123 defilement cases have been reported this year, with Msambweni sub-county accounting for 60 of them.
“Msambweni has now become the hotspot for defilement cases, consistently leading in reported incidents since 2022,” he said.
He said that child abuse in the area encompasses various forms, including sex tourism, early marriages, incest, and rape.
Nuno said that as a major tourist hub, Kwale County is particularly vulnerable to child exploitation through the sex trade.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, especially during the long school holidays, to protect children from such heinous acts.
Nuno also called for increased parental responsibility, stating that parents must not solely rely on the police and gender officers to protect their children.
He said parents have a big role to play in safeguarding their children and reporting any cases of defilement, even if they involve close relatives, to ensure justice is served.
Nuno expressed disappointment that many defilement cases fail to secure justice because parents often choose to resolve them out of court.
He said that the vice is particularly common when the perpetrators are close relatives, such as uncles or fathers.
Nuno warned that the practice of hiding criminals is a violation of the law and attracts a jail term once found.
“The practice undermines the legal process and denies victims the justice they deserve and to make it worse it is a criminal offence,” he said.
Nuno spoke while opening a child protection centre at Msambweni Police Station.
The centre was donated by the International Justice Mission. It comprises a gender desk reporting office, waiting bay, interview and counselling room.
Nuno said that the establishment of a rescue centre would enhance the efforts of various agencies in combating gender-based violence.
He also assured the public that police would strengthen measures to protect whistleblowers, who are often threatened by perpetrators, to encourage more people to come forward and report cases without fear.
Msambweni Law Court Magistrate Leah Kabaria also voiced concern over the increasing number of defilement cases in the region.
Kabaria revealed that more than 150 defilement cases have been reported in the Msambweni Court since last year.
She noted that while prosecution rates are high, the steady rise in cases is deeply troubling hence the need for urgent preventive measures.
Kabaria emphasized the need for increased awareness to educate the communities on the importance of protecting minors.
She said that some communities continue to engage in harmful practices such as marrying off teen daughters, which hugely contributes to child abuse cases.
Kabaria lamented that while many cases are reported, a majority fail due to insufficient evidence.
However, she commended the International Justice Mission (IJM) for supporting police efforts by establishing a child protection centre.
“The new centre will encourage victims to report and provide evidence more comfortably, which will help build stronger cases against perpetrators,” she said.
Msambweni Children’s Officer Johnstone Kivuli expressed optimism that the new facility would enhance the protection of children’s rights and ensure they are effectively addressed.
He noted that logistical challenges had previously hindered their efforts, but the new centre would help alleviate the challenges by reducing the distance and costs for victims seeking justice.
Kivuli said the facility is a step forward in ensuring timely and accessible support for vulnerable children.
Kivuli urged stakeholders in child rights to ensure that justice is served fairly and appropriately for both victims and perpetrators.
“It is important that all parties are treated fairly and that justice is delivered most correctly and transparently,” he said.
