Nandi County Commissioner (CC) Wilberforce Kilonzo has called on residents to avoid solving sexual violence incidents through kangaroo courts, noting that such courts favor culprits, thus denying victims justice.
Addressing residents during Madaraka Day celebrations, Kilonzo noted that sexual offenses, especially those involving minors, need to undergo a full trial in a court of law to ensure perpetrators are punished accordingly and deter others with similar intents.
“When a person commits a sexual offense, let them be judged in the court of law. As a community, let us advocate for the rights of our children by ensuring sexual offenses are dealt with amicably in court. Let us avoid solving such cases at the kangaroo courts,” observed CC Kilonzo.
He regretted that some people want to safeguard the name of close relatives who commit such crimes while disregarding justice for the minor involved and the subsequent long-term effects, such as depression.
The administrator further discouraged the culture of early marriages, calling on village elders and church leaders at all levels to be at the forefront in fighting such outdated practices that violate the rights of children, especially girls.
“It’s unfortunate that there are parents in this era approving marriages of underage girls,” he regretted.
Kilonzo urged the community to ensure they solve various challenges, such as relationship issues and family disagreements, including those pertaining to land disputes, to prevent mental health issues.
“Mental health is one of the challenges we are facing in this county. Let us ensure we solve disagreements in our community to prevent them,” the CC advised.
By Ruth Mainye
