A minor holds a placard during a past campaign against defilement. Defilement cases are on the rise in Nakuru town West sub county. [Photo: nation.co.ke]
Kenya police service has decried increased cases of defilement in Nakuru Town West sub-county.
Officer in charge of gender-based violence at Kaptembwa Police Station, Beth Kamau said there are 60 cases before local courts.
She said her office is investigating more than 20 rape cases.
“12 suspects have been charged in court with seven suspects sentenced to life imprisonment over defilement. The higher number of rape cases is worrying," she said.
The officer added that sexual harassment against minors and women should be fought by all means.
She said police officers undergo hard times investigating the rape cases because some victims and relatives fail to cooperate and provide evidence for suspects to be charged.
She called on communities, leaders and other stakeholders to help security agencies end the vice in the region.
"We should create awareness to our people to stop harassing minors and women sexually. Any rape case should be reported to authorities for legal actions to be taken against the offenders," she added.