Provincial administrators have been warned against settling defilement cases out of court in a bid to reduce the vice and promote girl child education. Principal Secretary in the Ministry of interior and coordination of National government Karanja Kibicho said such officers will be sacked on the spot.
“We cannot allow such a hearing to be set at the local level by the officers while courts are there to arbitrate between the affected parties,” said Karanja. He ordered the administrators to be focused on their core mandate of maintaining peace and order and desist from convening such meetings.
He noted that some officers were colluding with the suspected persons to terminate the cases against them thus putting more girls at risk.
“The defilement rate in Western Kenya is alarming and the administrators must protect the children who are defiled by linking them to police for arrests,” said Kibicho.
He added that the administrators as the first line of the executive must ensure they show good face of the government.
“I am really wondering what kind of food the residents here eat that only directs them to minors instead of adults,” said Kibicho amid laughter.
He applauded the administrators for their good work and called on them to fight illicit brew and stop engaging in drinking spree. “How can you deal with or stop manufacturing of illicit brew in your area when as an administrator, you are the one who loves it so much,” asked Kibicho.
He said the government is set to build 20,000 houses every year for the next five years to improve the living conditions of police officers Countrywide saying the housing units will cater for house deficit experienced by the security agents.
Kibicho said the police had a shortage of 100,000 house units and building more units will ensure the police live in a good setting.
“We are working on how to give morale to our officers and ensure their working conditions and that of their families are improved,” said Kibicho.
He said the government is aware of the shortage and plans are already underway to include funds in this fiscal year to address the problem.
“I know how most of our officers live. As the government we are ready to address their plight in the next five years,” said Kibicho.
Kibicho made the assurances while at Mbale town while addressing chiefs and their assistants at Mbale high school.
He added that from this month the police will enjoy comprehensive medical insurance cover that will also cater for the families.
“The government has set aside Kshs. 5.3 billion to cater for the scheme and improve their welfare,” said Kibicho. He added that the fund is the highest since independence.
