Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina has sought the intervention of the House in a case in which a chief is accused of defiling a 13-year-old girl.
Maina, who is seeking a statement from the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, wants the government to state actions taken to ensure the girl and her sister get justice.
The chief is alleged to have assaulted the girl’s sister after she reported the matter to the police.
Maina further wants the government to explain the reasons that led to the release of the chief from Baricho Police Station on cash bail.
“What measures has the government put in place to ensure the safety of school-going children in Kirinyaga County and the country at large?” she posed.
On February 20, 2024, a case OB No. 17/20/02/2024 was reported at Baricho Police Station on the defilement of a minor (13 years) by a chief.
According to the report, the chief has been luring the minor who is a grade 7 pupil to different lodgings by giving her some money and defiling her.
It was reported that when the chief learnt that the girl was pregnant, he approached her elder sister and persuaded her to keep the matter confidential and promised to support the procurement of an abortion after which he would give compensation.
The girl’s sister however reported the matter at Baricho Police Station.
It was further reported that upon hearing that the matter was before the police, the chief assaulted the girl’s sister.
The assault case was also reported at Baricho Police Station under OB No. /19/21/02/2024 and thereafter, the chief was arrested but later released on a cash bail of Sh50,000.
A tense situation unfolded in Kirinyaga County on February 23, 2024, as local leaders and residents stormed Baricho Police Station demanding answers regarding the release of the chief.
Led by Kirinyaga Senator James Murango and Maina, the irate mob forcefully entered the station, demanding an audience with officers who allegedly facilitated the chief's release.
The demanded to be informed about the whereabouts and condition of the minor. They similarly wanted the chief to be arrested for allegedly assaulting the victim's sister.