The State has been challenged to apprehend and subject abortion perpetrators to prosecution following raising cases of the menace in Bogichora region in Nyamira County.
Speaking on Tuesday in the region at a burial ceremony, political and human rights activist Catherine Nyamato said that the State has failed to take action against perpetrators despite some of them being reported to various Police Stations.
She said that many girls from the region are lured into the crime by being charged as little as Sh2,000 to effect abortion by some ethical health practitioners, making it readily available and affordable for many girls.
“I am very disappointed that there is an increase in cases of abortion especially among young teens here. The statistics we are receiving from local dispensaries are appalling and something ought to be done by the State,” said Nyamato.
“Some unscrupulous people in the name of doctors are executing the crime at a cheaper rate, exposing their prey to danger since many of them end up in various hospitals for admission after they are overwhelmed by too much bleeding. They must be arrested and punished according to the law,” said Nyamato.
She asked the area local administration to be on the watch to arrest those involved in the unconstitutional act.
“We have heard even some cases where teens have died after attempting abortion. We have local Chiefs and their Assistants who can help arrest the culprits. It is shameful that our children can continue engaging in such kind of crimes,” added Nyamato.
She promised to help girls who feared responsibilities to raise their young ones instead of aborting pregnancies besides urging them to report those responsible for early pregnancies for an action to be taken in compliance with the law.