Vihiga Sub-county Children Welfare Officer Michael Nanjira has appealed to parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s safety and whereabouts during the festive season and thereafter.
He made the call amid rising cases of incest in Vihiga, urging guardians to remain vigilant and actively protect their children from potential harm.
Nanjira said parents have an obligation to provide for their children’s basic needs and offer emotional support, noting that these factors play a key role in preventing incidents of incest.
He observed that despite continued awareness campaigns by relevant authorities, the issue remains a major concern.
He attributed the increase in reported cases to outdated cultural practices, dysfunctional family structures, drug abuse among parents, and poverty.
“In many households, parents lack adequate accommodation, forcing adults and children to share living spaces, which heightens the risk of incest,” he said.
He added that inadequate parental guidance leaves children unable to fully understand family boundaries and relationships.
The officer advised parents to promptly report any suspected incidents to authorities to ensure affected children receive immediate protection.
“We urge parents to report such cases so that children can be rescued and placed in safe environments, including foster care or adoption where necessary,” he stated.
Nanjira noted that the trend is particularly worrying, as many of the cases involve school-going children.
He called for concerted efforts from parents, community members, and local leaders to curb the growing problem.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding victims as investigations into the cases continue.
Recent reports indicate that more than ten cases of incest have been recorded in Vihiga Sub-county in the past few months.
By Sarah Mwanisa
