A standard eight pupil from Khayega primary school in Shinyalu Sub County, is fighting for her life at Kakamega County Referral Hospital after her mother allegedly assaulted her upon discovery that the teenager had been repeatedly sexually abused by her biological father. The pupil is said to have confessed to her headteacher, who earlier disclosed the details to the area children’s office but timely action was not taken. The minor was admitted at Mukumu Mission hospital after she was beaten till she fainted before the Kakamega County government through the gender office came to her rescue transferring her to the Kakamega County Referral Hospital.
Kakamega East OCPD Robert Makau confirmed the incident saying that the girl’s mother has been arrested to help with investigations. However, the abuse suspect is still at large and investigations into the case are on to reveal the truth.
Following the incident, the County Government of Kakamega through the Chief Advisor Special Programmes and Gender Affairs Peninah Mukabane has noted that they are alarmed by increasing cases of gender-based violence in the County. Mrs. Mukabane has revealed that the government will intervene and vigorously seek justice for the victim.
She was outraged by the double tragedy the girl faced when she reported the rape to her mother. “The mother brutally attacked the girl leaving her unconscious,” she said.
She said the County government will embark on a sensitization programme for residents on GBV and what needs to be done to preserve evidence in such cases. “Parents should be close to their children to provide much needed parental love and protection,” she added.
Mukabane said Gender-Based Violence in the County is fueled by drug abuse, alcoholism and poverty and called on the national government to coordinate with the County government and provide financial resources to eradicate the menace.
