What began as a simple act of care
from his father has turned into a painful and life-altering ordeal.
In early 2007 in Kilifi county, a seven-year-old boy was excited when his father
offered to take him to school. He imagined the pride of being seen arriving
like other children who were driven to school by their parents.
However, his journey took a different turn.
Jeremy (not his real name) recalls being taken to a
remote home where a ritual was performed. Confused and afraid, he watched as
events unfolded, unaware that this moment would mark the beginning of years of
abuse.
Back home, his father allegedly
threatened him into silence. What followed was repeated abuse
that he endured in fear.
“I was too scared to tell anyone,”
he says.
Despite the pain, he continued
living under strict control. He was forced to pretend to go to school daily,
while secretly struggling with injuries and trauma.
At school, his condition began to
raise concern. But fear of punishment and shame kept him from telling the
truth.
Eventually, his situation came to
light after intervention by authorities. He was rescued and placed in a
children’s home, where he began receiving medical care and support.
Years later, Jeremy discovered he
was living with HIV—a condition he says he contracted from the abuse.
Now 26, Jeremy says he has chosen to
forgive and is using his experience to encourage others living with HIV to
accept their status and seek help.
Jeremy’s story reflects a wider
crisis.
In Nairobi, there was another case involving two young children abused by a parent over time. The abuse only came to light
after both children fell ill and medical examinations revealed signs of harm.
The father was later arrested.
In another case in Kilifi, a
seven-year-old boy was abused by peers and was later withdrawn from school due to
trauma. His caregiver faced resistance from the community while seeking
justice.
Experts warn that such experiences
leave deep psychological scars.
Child psychologist Florence Ochanda
says survivors often suffer from withdrawal, low self-esteem, and long-term
emotional distress.
“Failure to act can normalise abuse
and worsen its impact,” she warns, urging early therapy and open conversations.
Children’s lawyer Naomi Kajaira says
many cases go unreported, especially when perpetrators are close relatives.
“If we want sexual violence to end,
we must talk about it,” she says.
She advises caregivers to seek
immediate medical attention, preserve evidence, and report cases promptly.
According to UNICEF, millions of
children worldwide experience abuse each year.
Globally, data from World Health
Organisation shows that one in two children face some form of violence
annually, with hundreds of millions affected by sexual abuse.
Jeremy believes things could have
been different if he had someone to confide in.
His story and many others highlight
the urgent need for vigilance, open dialogue, and stronger protection systems
for children.
Because behind the statistics are
real lives and children who need protection, justice, and a chance to heal.
