This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Published on July 16, 2019, a recent wave of defilement and murder of minors in Kisii County has left authorities and residents deeply concerned.
According to County Police Coordinator Martin Kibet, the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are often well-known to the victims, with investigations frequently leading to family members or close family friends.
“Our investigations have always led us to either family members or close family friends,” Kibet said, emphasizing the need for all stakeholders to work together to solve the problem.
Governor James Ongwae has also expressed his concern over the decline in morals in the society, calling on church leaders and the political class to join forces in fighting these vices.
“The perpetrators turn to murder because the victims could be knowing them,” Kibet added, highlighting the need for collective action to prevent such crimes.
Recent cases in the region include the murder of two girls, Stephanie Kerubo, four, and Diana Kerubo, nine, who were defiled and killed in Kenyenya sub-county. Another case involved the body of a Standard Eight girl, Judy Mokeira, who was found dumped in a thicket near her home in Kisii Central sub-county, with visible head bruises and blood stains on her clothes.
Three people have already pleaded guilty to Judy's murder, with the case set to be heard on July 31. In another incident, the body of 10-year-old Judith Ombati was found dumped near her house at Nyaura village in Nyaribari Chache, with her killers using socks to strangle her.
