Nairobi: The government has issued a stern warning against increasing cases of defilement and goonism in Ndhiwa East, Homa Bay County, stating that offenders will face the full force of the law.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ndhiwa East Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mohamed Akida, speaking during a public baraza at Pala Koguta Trading Centre, emphasized that sexual offences against children must not be tolerated or handled through informal settlements outside the legal system. Akida highlighted defilement as a serious criminal offence that causes lifelong physical and emotional harm to victims, urging residents to promptly report cases to relevant authorities.
Akida stated, “Cases of defilement must stop. Whoever is found guilty of committing such an offence will strictly face the law. These cases should never be handled like ordinary cases because they leave victims with lifelong physical and emotional scars.” He expressed concern that some families conceal defilement cases due to stigma or attempts to resolve them privately, warning that such actions deny victims justice and permit offenders to continue committing crimes.
He further noted that individuals who protect suspects, interfere with investigations, or obstruct justice would also face prosecution. Akida called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members to collaborate in safeguarding children, emphasizing that every child has a right to grow in a safe environment free from abuse and exploitation. He encouraged residents to report child abuse, neglect, and violence, assuring them that government agencies were committed to protecting victims and ensuring justice.
Ndhiwa Sub-County Police Commander John Losia also raised concerns over the growing problem of goonism, indicating that criminal gangs were disrupting peace, threatening businesses, and encouraging young people to engage in unlawful activities. Losia urged youth to reject criminal groups and instead pursue education, skills training, and lawful employment opportunities.
Losia warned that security agencies would intensify operations against individuals involved in gang-related violence, intimidation, and other criminal activities. He called on residents to support law enforcement efforts by providing information that could assist in arresting criminals, noting that effective policing requires cooperation between security agencies and the public.
He attributed youth involvement in gangs to factors such as unemployment and peer pressure, urging communities to support mentorship programmes, entrepreneurship, and skills development initiatives. Losia commended boda boda operators in Ndhiwa East for maintaining discipline and assisting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
The leaders challenged schools, religious institutions, community organisations, and local administrators to strengthen programmes promoting responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and positive values among young people.
