Police launch manhunt for man who raped minor
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. He has warned government officials against encouraging 'maslaha'. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Relative records statement with the police.
- Perpetrator said to be on the run.
- Residents blame courts for taking long to make ruling on cases.
A six-year-old girl was defiled in Garissa early Monday morning, raising concerns of rising child molestation cases in the northeast.
Area OCPD Aron Moriase said a close relative of the girl recorded a statement at Garissa Police Station.
The police boss said the child was taken to Garissa Referral Hospital as the hunt for the perpetrator was underway.
"We understand the culprit is a neighbour of the child's family," Mr Moriase told the Nation.
MASLAHA
Mr Moriase added that he was optimistic the man would be arrested soon "since he is known to the victim's family".
The incident came barely a week after another in Habaswein Sub-County where a girl was reportedly gang raped. She was flown to Nairobi for treatment.
The increase in rape has been blamed on 'maslaha', a traditional dispute resolution mechanism, where elders negotiate on an amount to be paid to victims' families.
Weak government institutions have been blamed for encouraging 'maslaha' as courts take years to rule on cases.
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i last week said State officials encouraging 'maslaha' would be arrested and prosecuted.
