The responsibility to safeguard one's child is often considered paramount. However, the unsettling reality arises when circumstances prevent parents from fulfilling this duty.

This gives rise to the fear that most parents live with, especially when ensuring their children's safety in the community.

Recent times have witnessed a concerning increase in cases of defilement in both boys and girls, a heinous crime that leaves lasting scars on its victims.

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Sadly, the pursuit of justice in these cases is often hindered by various factors, including inadequate follow-up procedures, reporting channels, and instances where resolutions occur outside the judicial system.

This predicament is not isolated but is experienced in numerous communities and families, eroding faith in the possibility of ever attaining justice.

Recent reports highlighting the tragic case of Jasmine Njoki, who not only endured defilement but also brutally lost her life in Gilgil Sub- County is one of the few heart breaking examples.

Jasmine Njoki's body was found in a thicket after she went missing.

Photo credit: COURTESY

Data provided by the Nakuru County Children's Department from 2022 to 2023 sheds light on the alarming prevalence of defilement cases, particularly affecting children aged 11 to 18.

Within this period, 68 cases involved children aged 11-15, and 65 cases involved those aged 16-18 have been reported.

Disturbingly, even younger age groups were not spared, with 16 cases reported for children aged 0-5 and 15 cases for those aged 6-10.

The 2021-2022 report indicates a distressing trend, with a total of 201 children defiled in Nakuru County. Nakuru Town East topped the list with 41 cases, followed closely by Gilgil with 38 cases.

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Other areas, include Rongai with 21 cases, Kuresoi South 20, Subukia 19, Njoro and Molo with 15 each, Naivasha 13, Bahati nine cases, Kuresoi North six cases and four cases in Nakuru Town West.

Cosmas Mutua, the founder of Hope in Life Empowerment Centre, regrets that most defilement cases are underreported or even go unreported, especially in rural settings.

He encourages the society to speak out on the vices as that is the only way the perpetrators can be prosecuted for their crimes.

Regrettably, a majority of the defilement cases go unreported, often due to the societal status of the perpetrators, who are sometimes considered respectable members of the community.

"The most troubling fact is that a considerable number of defilement cases involve perpetrators who hold positions of trust, such as fathers, teachers, or caregivers," Mutua said.

He adds that the law is very clear about child protection matters, noting that it is very sad for locals and area administrators to hide such violations, or even attempt to settle such issues outside courts in the interest of the perpetrators.

Related: Lost Innocence: Horrific details on how suspects of defilement were punished culturally

In conclusion, Mutua calls on parents and the society at large to be vigilant, emphasizing the need to protect children of all genders, noting that the battle against defilement requires collective action, where communities, parents, and authorities work together to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.

mercykihugu@gmail.com

Lost Innocence: The unsettling truth about defilement in Nakuru County

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Mercy Kihugu