Human rights defenders in Kibera have raised concerns over the rising cases of incest in the community.
This is according to Christ The King Catholic Office of Human Rights that works to educate and empower the people of Kibera with knowledge and capacity to advocate for their rights and improve access to justice.
Speaking to this writer on Thursday at their offices in Laini Saba, Maureen Obiya, a human rights officer, confirmed that there are many cases of incest within families in Kibera with the increase attributed to rural-urban migration.
"There are a lot of incest cases in the community at the moment. May be it could be because of rural-urban migration. Many people are moving from upcountry to stay with their relatives and that increases the possibility of sexual engagement within those extended families," said Ms Obiya.
Obiya said that most cases being reported are rape with the majority of perpetrators escaping prosecution by being shielded by their relatives.
"Eight out of ten cases of rape we receive are out of incest. Unfortunately, the victims don't get justice because relatives do not want to take action against one of their own. Most perpetrators also escape prosecution because the community still believes that issues of incest are shameful and should not be aired out openly," noted Obiya.
"Neighbours’ children forward complaints but when we try to follow up on the matter, the family either moves from that location to another secret place or they simply say that the matter has been resolved. Unfortunately most of our chiefs collude with the perpetrators and their relatives to solve the issues against the law," she added.