- Two schoolgirls in Mochorwa village recorded statements with police, alleging a local cattle trader lured them into sexual relationships using money and food.
- Villagers torched the suspect’s home after catching him with his nephew’s wife, but Chief Gideon Matonga condemned the act, urging residents to let the law take its course.
- Police have launched a manhunt under the Sexual Offences Act, while the Department of Children Services is supporting the victims as investigations continue.
Police in Gucha Sub‑County have launched a manhunt for a cattle trader accused of luring schoolgirls into sexual relationships using money and food items such as mandazi
The revelations came after the man, who had been cohabiting with his nephew’s wife, was caught in an abandoned house during a funeral gathering. Villagers, angered by the discovery, flogged the woman and forced her to return to her parents before storming the suspect’s home and setting it ablaze.
As the crowd pressed for answers, the two girls disclosed that they had been sexually exploited by the trader. Their statements have since been taken by police to aid investigations, with authorities confirming that the suspect is being sought for prosecution under the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2007.
Onseka Location Chief Gideon Matonga condemned the mob justice, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands. “Burning the suspect’s home is illegal. Let the law take its course. Report such cases to police and chiefs immediately,” he said.
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The Sexual Offences Act criminalises sexual activity with minors under 18, prescribing penalties ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment depending on the child’s age. It also outlaws grooming and inducement through gifts, money, or food, with stiffer sentences for offenders in positions of trust such as relatives, guardians, or teachers.
The law further makes it mandatory for anyone suspecting child sexual abuse to report to police, chiefs, or children’s officers, with failure to report constituting an offence. The Children Act provides for protection, medical care, and counselling for victims.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to arrest the suspect, while the two girls are receiving support from the Department of Children Services.
By Enock Okong’o
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