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Authorities call on public to report SGBV cases

Community members in Kakamega have been urged to support the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBV) by reporting to authorities for justice to be served to survivors.

A Gender Police Officer at Kakamega Police station in charge of child protection, Elizabeth Akai, assured safety to the survivors and those who report SGBV.

She says they can either visit any police station to report the matter or call a toll-free line (112 or 999 or the National GBV toll-free helpline number 1195) and report the cases they come across.

“We have a Witness Protection Agency that offers protection until justice is served in case of threats,” she said.

She also issued a stern warning to perpetrators that they will face heavy penalties, urging them to exercise restraint against falling into temptations of sexual assault and committing SGBV crimes.

She noted that the law is clear and those involved will be slapped with severe punishment of spending not less than 15 years in jail, as stated in the Sexual Offences Act, 2006.

“If a child between 1-11 years is defiled, the perpetrator will potentially face life imprisonment; for children between 12-15 years, the charge is not less than 20 years’ imprisonment; and for children between 16-17 the charge is at least 15 years or more,” she confirmed.

Akai urged parents to be careful with the people they leave their children with.

“The house managers or even the extended family you host in your house may be the next abusers to you or your child, either physically or mentally. Immediately you find out, report the incident to the relevant authorities,” she explained.

Akai also warned those who try to conspire to try and block the survivors from accessing justice by issuing threats that they will also be charged.

She was speaking at the Lurambi Chief Office during a community campaign organised by Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) to raise awareness on Child protection and child rights, GBV/SGBV matters, case management and legal aspects.

SHOFCO’s senior case worker Esther Makokha said the organisation has partnered with pro bono lawyers who help pursue justice for survivors, asking them not to be afraid.

An SGBV champion from Lurambi, Robert Amakobe Shinyali, said the county government of Kakamega has established safe houses and rescue centres where survivors are temporarily hosted for protection against threats from perpetrators, as adults are also protected through witness protection services.

By Jedidah Mumia and Philip Jonathan

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