This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
On September 22, 2019, a disturbing incident shook the community in Butula sub-county, Kenya.
A form one student, who was reported missing five days prior, was found abandoned near River Bujumba, with evidence of rape and drugging.
According to officers at Bumala Police Station, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in custody, assisting with investigations.
The mother of the girl claimed that the wife of one of the suspects attempted to bribe her with Sh10,000 to settle the matter out of court.
Local leaders and organizations are sounding the alarm on the rising cases of rape and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the area, with Mary Makokha, director of Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Program (REEP), stating that there have been 13,624 reported cases in recent days.
Ms. Makokha attributed the alarming trend to the presence of numerous night clubs in the town, which she believes contribute to the spread of STDs among the youth.
