A class eight pupil from Enchoro DOK Primary School was rescued from a man’s house moments after the kickoff of day two of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams.
The pupil was absent from class as candidates started Kiswahili paper, causing anxiety from teachers led by headmistress Tabitha Ogamba, who tipped area chief before a campaign to trace the girl kicked off.
Speaking to this writer moments after rescuing the girl on Wednesday, area Chief Thaddeus Orina confirmed having arrested a middle aged man who is suspected to have spent a night with the candidate.
“I want to thank the local community for working with us to rescue the girl so that she could sit for the paper. It’s unfortunate that a very old man could entice a young girl for sexual favors. The matter is now with Keroka police and we are preparing a case on the suspect,” Orina said.
He also called for apprehension of the girl’s parents who had not reported the matter to authorities even after their child went missing after day one of the exams.
“I am told by neighbours that the parents were aware of the missing child but none of them reported. It’s shameful that they have gone into hiding,” he said.
The headmistress thanked the local authorities for rescuing the girl and urged the government to treat the case with seriousness it deserves.
“I thank the local authorities for helping the school rescue the child from that house. She is a very hardworking student and I am certain that she will pass because one hour was enough for her to do the paper. The suspect should be dealt with to act as an example,” she said.