The government has been tasked to devise strategies to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence and sexual abuse against children.
Bishop Meshack Mukwilu of Africa Brotherhood Church (ABC) said incidents of sexual abuse on children are being reported on a daily basis and it was sad that the abuse was perpetrated by people close to the children.
Speaking while addressing a leaders’ forum in ABC Wote Church yesterday, he said that the State and churches should team up to sensitize the society on the importance of protecting children and enforcing punitive laws for paedophiles.
“There is a need for the government to carry out research, campaigns, media coverage, networking and awareness creation because children must be protected to ensure that they grow up in a caring environment free from all forms of violence and abuse,” he said.
The Bishop’s call comes amid rise in cases of domestic violence against children, pregnancies and rape in several parts of the country.
He also called on the government to establish special children’s courts across the country to ease prosecution of the sexual offenders.
“I urge the government to enforce the Children’s Act and educate the society on the importance of protecting children and impose heavy fines on those involved especially authorities who cover up such cases after accepting bribes from perpetrators,” he added.
By Gastone Musyoka
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