North Eastern child defilement cases raise concern as a 6 year old girl is raped in Garissa

The six year old child who was allegedly defiled by a neighbor was taken to Garissa Referral Hospital for treatment(Courtesy)

GARISSA—A six year old girl was allegedly defiled by a neighbor in Garissa County on Monday morning.

Area OCPD Aron Moriase who confirmed the incident said a close relative of the girl recorded a statement at Garissa Police Station.

“We understand the culprit is a neighbor of the child’s family, the matter was reported to the police and the case is under police investigation.” The OCPD told the Nation.

Mr. Moriase said the child was taken to Garissa Referral Hospital for treatment and a manhunt has been launched to ensure the perpetrator is brought to book.

The police boss added that he was optimistic the man would be arrested soon “since he is known to the victim’s family”.

This incident comes barely a week after a girl was reportedly gang raped in Habaswein town south of Wajir County. This has raised concerns over increased cases of child rape in North Eastern.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i visited Wajir County on Tuesday, last week, and warned North Eastern chiefs and leaders who fail to take action against rapists.

The increase in rape has been blamed on ‘Maslaha’, a traditional dispute resolution mechanism, where elders negotiate on an amount to be paid to victims’ families.