By Brivian Simiyu
Msambweni law court has raised alarm over the increasing cases of child defilement in the Msambweni sub-county in Kwale County.
The court has so far registered over 150 cases of children who have been defiled in one year according to the chairperson of the Court Users Committee (CUC) Hon. Leah Kabaria.
Kabaria who is also the Msambweni law court magistrate noted that 67 cases of child defilement have been reported this year alone.
“This means that 6 children are allegedly defiled every month which has led to an increment in those cases between January to date,” she said.
Speaking during the launch of National Children Justice Month at Al Walidayn Rescue Centre, Kabaria said that 85 more cases had been recorded last year.
The magistrate cited lack of evidence as a major hurdle for those seeking justice by victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Msambweni Law Court Magistrate Hon. Leah Kabaria addressing media during the launch of National Children Justice Month at Al Walidayn Centre
She further explained that the move has caused a backlog of children’s cases in court pending hearing and determination.
“We are employing diversion as an alternative method of resolving and expediting the children’s cases which take too long in court,” said Kabaria.
She advised parents to take responsibility for their children and protect them from negative practices that could risk their lives.
The Msambweni court is also dealing with criminal cases against children who are facing charges of housebreaking, burglary and robbery with violence.
In a bid to stop these cases, the court in partnership with the children’s department and other stakeholders is banking on sensitizing the community.
Msambweni Children officer Johnstone Kivuli said they intend to educate parents and guardians on child rights throughout this month.
“This is the time for the children’s court users committee to create awareness on how parents can report cases of defilement and assure them of justice,” said Kivuli.
Msambweni Children officer Johnstone Kivuli addressing media during the launch of National Children Justice Month at Al Walidayn Centre
On her part, the Al Walidayn Centre manager Hawa Mwangi said that they have managed to rescue over 300 children from different parts of the county.
According to Mwangi, the Centre has been a haven for many children who undergo rape, assault, early marriages and other GBV cases since 2019.
“We are also partnering with the judiciary and other grassroots organizations like Haki Yetu to support the large number of children who are defiled,” she added.
The Centre is currently hosting 65 girls and 70 boys who are provided with full care and attention for vulnerable children.
