Police in Nyatike, Migori County, are searching for a 62-year-old man accused of defiling his 11-year-old daughter. According to area Chief Eunice Adongo, the suspect allegedly committed the heinous act twice before the matter was reported to her office. Shockingly, instead of facing justice, the suspect fled with his wife the victim’s mother and other family members, leaving the young girl traumatized and unprotected
The case highlights a disturbing violation of parental responsibility, where a father, who should be a protector, turned into a predator. Chief Adongo revealed that the suspect escaped upon realizing that authorities were investigating the crime. Even more alarming, the victim’s mother chose to shield her husband, claiming his innocence and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement to “save her marriage.” Her decision to flee with the accused underscores the challenges in fighting gender-based violence, particularly when family members prioritize harmful cultural norms over justice.
While the victim has undergone medical examinations and is now in a safe environment, the parents’ disappearance complicates efforts to hold the perpetrator accountable. Chief Adongo condemned the parents’ actions, warning against obstructing justice and violating children’s rights. She emphasized that such crimes must be met with full legal consequences, regardless of familial ties.
This case is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children, especially girls, in abusive households. It also exposes the complicity of family members who enable perpetrators. Authorities must intensify efforts to apprehend the suspect and ensure the victim receives psychosocial support. Additionally, community sensitization is crucial to dismantle harmful beliefs that protect abusers at the expense of victims.
As the search for the fugitive family continues, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and stronger support systems for survivors. No child should suffer in silence, and no perpetrator should evade justice.
