Rape cases in Gucha South Sub-county in Kisii have been on the rise in the recent past, with reports indicating high numbers every week.
Speaking to our reporter in his office on Wednesday, Gucha Sub-county Assistant Commissioner Geoffrey Mayama acknowledged rampant cases of rape in the area, saying at least two cases are reported daily.
He further noted that most cases are committed by close family members or friends, who take advantage of close relationship with the victims.
“It is irritating to see small girls being raped daily with the culprits being close family members, relatives and the extended families. In fact, the villagers conspire to hide the culprits from my officers,” said Mayama.
He further blamed the community’s tradition of fear of intimidation, which leads them to protect the perpetrators on the basis of their age and family background, leaving the victims to suffer.
Mayama further noted that many witnesses find it hard to testify in court, leading to many perpetrators being acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.
“It is very hard to convince these locals to go testify in court against their fathers, uncles or grandfathers over rape cases and that makes the ongoing rape incidences to rise,” added Mayama.
Human rights activist Geoffrey Gutwa blamed the provincial administration, majorly chiefs and their assistants for being part of the cartel that hides the victims after they have been bribed to blanket the truth.
“These NGOs have done nothing towards fighting for the girl-child rights mostly after they have been molested,” said Gutwa.
The activist and the commissioner agreed that local meetings will be good in addressing this thorny issue that has become a shame in the area.