On February 27, 2022, police in Taveta County launched a manhunt for a farmhand accused of eloping with a 16-year-old secondary school student. The suspect, who had been living with the minor in his employer's servant quarters, was eventually arrested and taken to Wundanyi Police Station.
According to Acting Location Chief Paskim Kisambio, the farmhand had secretly run away with the student from a local school. The victim's parents reported the matter to the chief's office, prompting a search for the suspect.
During the arrest, police recovered dozens of condoms and books from the duo. The student, who claimed she wanted to be married and did not want to return to school, was taken for a medical examination to determine her health status.
Mr. Kisambio warned that it is a criminal offense to marry and defile a minor. The suspect is expected to be charged soon.
Taveta County has been plagued by high rates of rape, defilement, incest, sodomy, and drug abuse. In the past month alone, the county reported 27 cases of defilement, with an average of four to five cases per week.
Women leaders in the county have also reported cases of homosexuality and lesbianism, particularly in Voi, Wundanyi, and Taveta Sub Counties. According to County Assembly Women Caucus member Joan Akinyi, these cases have been reported in rented rooms and even in schools.
However, County Police Commander Patrick Okeri and Voi Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndutu denied any knowledge of rampant homosexuality in the area.
