Activists demand arrest of cop suspected of defiling minor

Gender Based Violence Activists in Kilifi county want immediate arrest and prosecution of a police officer, who allegedly defiled a minor.

The officer, who is based at the Marereni police station, is suspected of committing the act on the 16-year-old girl in January this year.

The matter was reported under police OB number 19/6/01/2022 at 8:35pm.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the officer is allegedly having an affair with the minor's mother and used to discipline the girl.

It is alleged that the girl came home late and the mother thought she had gone to meet boys.  She called the officer who took the girl to the police station and allegedly defiled her.

Efforts by the girl to inform the mother what transpired did not bear fruits.

Ever since the matter was reported, the GBV activists say they have been following the case but they were told it is being handled by the DCI, who are conducting investigation.

Chairperson of Malindi GBV network Helda Lameck said the girl is in safe custody but she is very traumatised.

Addressing the press in Malindi, Thursday, Lameck said they want the officer to be charged in court.

She condemned the inhuman act and wondered why action has not been taken to date.

“People are asking why no action has been taken against the officer, they say had it been a commoner, three days would not have passed before action is taken, ” she said.

Magarini subcounty police commander Daniel Kibio said he was aware of the case but confirmed that DCI  officers in Kilifi have taken over the matter.

“We handed over the case to the DCI to avoid any compromise or victimisation. We are also waiting for them to complete the investigations for next steps,” he said.

Reports indicate that cases of GBV in Kilifi have reduced and it’s attributed to the tireless efforts to sensitise people and ensuring perpetrators are brought to book.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)