Fear grips Kandara residents over alleged sexual attacks on elderly, intoxicated men

Residents of Gitumbo village in Kandara Subcounty, Murang'a county, have raised concerns over alleged sexual attacks targeting elderly women and intoxicated men.

Speaking during an awareness forum organised by UHAI Kenya NGO, the residents, though giving no names, claimed that elderly women, particularly widows living alone, are increasingly being targeted by the perpetrators who allegedly break into their homes at night and sexually assault them, while some intoxicated men are reportedly attacked while returning home from entertainment joints.

Led by Grace Wangui, the residents said many victims suffer in silence due to fear, shame and trauma, making it difficult for cases to be reported and perpetrators brought to justice.

"We are living in fear because some of these incidents happen at night and many victims are too ashamed to speak about what they have gone through," said Wangui.

Margaret Magiri alleged that some offenders take advantage of elderly women because of their vulnerability and the fact that many live alone.

The residents further claimed that some elderly men who frequent entertainment joints have also fallen victim to sexual attacks while returning home at night, particularly when under the influence of alcohol.

They cited a case that sparked public debate two years ago in Kanyiirini village, Kandara, in which a middle-aged man allegedly reported being sexually assaulted after a drinking session at a private residence.

According to the residents, the man told investigators that he became dizzy shortly after consuming alcohol and later woke up the following morning, suspecting he had been sodomized, prompting him to report the matter to police.

The residents called on security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure justice for victims, saying the incidents continue to cause suffering among older persons.

Speaking at the same event, UHAI Kenya Chief Executive Officer Edwin Kibe condemned all forms of sexual violence against older persons, saying it was unacceptable for the elderly to live in fear within their own communities.

"It is shameful for anyone to prey on elderly people who should instead be protected, respected and cared for by society," said Kibe.

He urged the government to establish support centres for older persons at the sub-county level where victims can confidentially report abuse, access counselling services and receive legal assistance.

He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to handle such cases with urgency.

The event, attended by more than 400 elderly residents, also saw beneficiaries receive food donations from Capwell Industries, manufacturers of maize flour, and support from the Safaricom Foundation, including tents and chairs for elderly empowerment groups supported by UHAI Kenya.