A Nakuru town based Pastor has challenged women in the area to consider establishing more rescue centres citing the increased cases of early marriages and rape.
Pastor Andrew Njoroge Mwangi of Jubilee Christian Church Nakuru said that many of the children needed someone to reach out to them and to encourage them to continue with their education to last levels.
Addressing residents at Patel Brotherhood Hall, Pastor Mwangi said that women in the area needed to rise and protect the rights of girl child.
He cited a recent incident where a 13 year-old-girl ran away and sought refuge in a Church compound from a 64-year-old man.
“The man even had the guts to come to the Missionary Guest House where the victim was hosted demanding her bride,” wondered Pastor Mwangi adding that it is up to women to stand in the gap and offer such victims proper protection.
The Pastor claimed that many such cases do occur adding that many young girls are undergoing the same torture but have nowhere to resort to.
Mwangi cited that counselling programmes should also be arranged for the victims to prevent them from sinking into depression.
“We have to protect girl child at all costs. We need to ensure that our children are safe and they grow up in a safe and peaceful environment,” said Pastor Mwangi.