Kakamega First Lady Janet Kassily Barasa has urged the local community to take a stand against the alarming rise in defilement cases involving school girls in the Kakamega Forest.
Speaking during a tree-planting event organized by the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK), she expressed deep concern over reports of girls being sexually assaulted by unknown assailants in the forest.
“We must protect our girls, especially when they venture into the forest for firewood. As parents and community members, we need to be vigilant and actively combat these heinous acts of defilement,” she said.
Her call-to-action extended to the Kakamega Forest Association (KFA), urging them to bolster their efforts in safeguarding both the environment and the young girls who frequent the area.
This poignant message came as Kassily joined women accountants in a significant environmental initiative, aimed not only at increasing forest cover but also at fostering a deep-rooted respect for nature.
During the event, which saw the planting of 1,100 indigenous tree species in the Lyanungu area of Lurambi constituency, she highlighted the dual purpose of this effort – protecting the ecosystem while simultaneously providing a safer environment for the community’s youth.
“The Kakamega Forest is a precious ecological treasure, home to over 300 species of butterflies, various wild animals, and unique plant life. It is crucial that we preserve it not just for its beauty and biodiversity, but for the safety of our future generations,” she stated.
In addition to raising awareness about defilement, Kassily, who serves as the Climate Change Champion for the Kakamega chapter, called on corporate entities to join the conservation efforts.
“Together, we can create a safer and more sustainable environment. Every tree planted is a step towards protecting our children and our planet,” she asserted.
The initiative, which included key partnerships with the Office of the Controller of Budget and the Office of the Auditor General, aims to reverse the effects of forest degradation while promoting community engagement in both environmental and social issues.
As the community rallies behind these initiatives, Kassily’s message resonates loud and clear; Safeguarding the Kakamega Forest and its vulnerable inhabitants is a collective responsibility that requires concerted action and unwavering vigilance.
By Calistus Imbayi
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