A 38-year-old man has been arrested in Mfangano Islands, Homa Bay County, for allegedly defiling his 12-year-old adopted daughter.
The suspect was apprehended on Saturday at Mulundu Beach in Suba West Sub-county.
According to the area Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Samson Akach, the incident is reported to have occurred at the suspect's home when his wife had travelled to Remba Island for business.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the girl had woken up early to wash utensils before going to school when the suspect allegedly pulled her back into the house,” Akach said.
The matter came to light after the girl’s mother reported it to the authorities.
“When she returned and noticed her daughter was walking with difficulty, she inquired and was informed of the alleged incident,” the DCC said.
The suspect is said to have gone into hiding after the incident but was later arrested with the help of residents.
He is currently being held at Sena Police Station.
The man is reported to have recently married the girl’s mother and subsequently adopted her.
Akach urged residents to uphold the rights and welfare of children.
“Let residents respect the sexual rights of children. We will not tolerate such acts,” he said.
He also called for proper vetting of new residents in the area.
“Anyone moving into the island must present letters from their local chiefs confirming their conduct as a crime prevention measure,” he added.
