Parents in Nakuru County have been warned against hiding cases of defilement in the guise of peaceful settlements as sexual predators are getting brazen day by day.
County Women Representative Liza Chelule expressed concern over the rising cases of parents who get compromised after their daughters are defiled.
Speaking while handing over Sh 8 million bursaries to students in Nakuru, she observed that many defilement cases go unreported because parents accept bribes from the assailants not to pursue the cases legally.
Chelule said it was unfortunate that a number of parents were covering up defilement arguing that it allows criminal elements to thrive and continue with the vice.
“If a child identifies a suspected defiler, they should be arrested and allow the police to conduct investigations before they are charged,” she said.
She emphasized on the need to report such matters stating that the constitution provides stiff actions against those who engage in such vices.
According to the woman rep, anyone who aides in concealing information on such crimes should be arrested and charged.
“The law should not be compromised, your children's bodies are not vegetables that you can trade with money, if you conceal this then you are guilty are the culprit,” she added.
Last year Interior CS Fred Matiang’i visited Homa Bay and directed security officers to arrest and prosecute child defilers.
Chelule added that poverty levels are high especially in areas where girls have not been empowered through education saying there was a need for them to tap into opportunities and apply for bursaries.
She called on the beneficiaries to ensure they fully focus in their education saying it will be able to grant them an opportunity to fight for equality with other men in society.
She however warned the girls against engaging in sexual behaviors during their education period noting that there was a creeping trend among them who were consenting to premature sex.
Chelule added that teen mothers miss a huge chunk of their education time to attend to their kids adding that the boychild progresses without any hitches.
“Let us stop consenting to early sex, with this vice surging then we have to say that you are the problem. Be serious with your education,” said Chelule.
She said there was no need to bungle their education by taking care of children at an early age, insisting that men weren't going to disappear if they abstained.
She at the same time called on the Ministry of Education to ensure there is a sufficient and timely distribution of sanitary towels to needy students in schools.
Chelule noted that there has been a rising concern among parents and a number of students due to delays saying the Ministry should hasten distribution.
“I believe there is enough budget for the program and they should ensure all targeted students benefit continuously throughout the year,” said Chelule.
