Reject out-of-court settlement of child abuse cases, Kwale police tell parents
Most parents opt for out-of-court settlements due to social stigma, County Commissioner Stephen Orinde says.
Police in Kwale County want residents to stop settling child abuse cases at home and instead report them to authorities for timely justice for the victims.
Most parents opt for out-of-court settlements due to social stigma, County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told The Eastleigh Voice.
More To Read
Orinde also noted that cases increase during the holidays, hence the need for parents to be more vigilant.
"Cases of sexual abuse against minors are on the rise. What concerns us more is parents refusing to report these cases, especially those of incest, for fear of getting judged by society," he said, also citing sodomy and defilement as some of the most prevalent cases.
He also said the perpetrators are close family members, such as brothers, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers.
"Not reporting the crime is like aiding the perpetrator to continue his evil deeds because his actions go unpunished."
Orinde further emphasised the need for concerted efforts by parties including teachers, religious leaders, and human rights groups, to eradicate child abuse through initiatives such as public education forums on how to handle cases.
"There is a need for sensitisation because some people, especially at the grassroots, do not know how to handle these cases. Some even bathe their children before reporting the incidents, denying them justice as this interferes with evidence," he said
The county commissioner also advocated for counselling for victims to help them deal with trauma and warned parents against allowing minors to work in local liquor dens, as this increases the chances of abuse.
"Some parents make their children serve customers at mnazi (palm wine) dens, where they sometimes get sexually abused or harassed by drunkards. My office will come for you. If you must sell mnazi do it yourself. Don't involve children," he said.
He called on chiefs and village elders to be on high alert, especially during the holidays, when children are at home.
Top Stories Today
- Silent but deadly: Growing burden of respiratory diseases in Kenya
- Samsung to launch ultra-slim Galaxy S25 edge globally on May 12: What to expect
- Cold showers: The wellness trend making waves, but are they for everyone?
- How officers recruitment freeze has affected police-to-civilian ratio- KNBS
- Sudan envoy defies junta’s orders to cut ties with UAE, saying it is "irrelevant"
- Community elders and religious leaders in Garissa empowered on handling alternative justice system
- First white South Africans to arrive under US refugee plan as soon as next week
- Lamu records highest increase in ID card applications as border regions see surge
- Seven dead, houses submerged as heavy rains cause severe flooding in Mogadishu
- EAC central banks adopt master plan to modernise cross-border payments
- Health Ministry begins issuance of title deeds to safeguard public facilities from land grabs
- Chef Mohamud shares his recipe for crispy chicken wings you can make at home
- Google messages to roll out 'Delete for Everyone' feature on Android
- Consumers to benefit from decline in global commodity prices, says World Bank
- Private sector dominates Kenya’s borehole drilling as state spending dips
- Senate starts probe on expired medicine crisis in counties
- Cheluget family backs Ruto’s Narok land deal for resettlement
- Gaza’s health system under fire: 1,400 medics killed in targeted attacks
- Nurses reject payroll transfer to counties, vow to continue strike
- China, Russia unite against global bullying and power play
