Fresh campaigns have been launched in Lunga-Lunga, Kwale county, to address the rising cases of teen pregnancies and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which have significantly impacted education for girls.
Speaking during World AIDS Day celebrations, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Joseph Sawe expressed deep concern over the alarming trends.
He issued a stern warning to men preying on school girls, warning them of dire consequences including facing the full force of the law.
“Men must leave schoolgirls alone because we will not sit back and allow you to ruin their lives,” he said.
Sawe emphasized the need for collective action to protect the community and safeguard the future of its youth by helping authorities to help reduce cases of teen pregnancies and early marriages.
He also criticized those who prey on young girls, stating that such individuals suffer from low self-esteem and fail to uphold the values of true masculinity.
The DCC noted that exploiting school girls not only harms their physical health but also deeply affects their psychological well-being, disrupting their future potential.
Sawe said that, in addition to the risk of pregnancy, schoolgirls are also exposed to HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
He further blamed the rising cases of teen pregnancies and early marriages on activities such as ‘disco matanga’ and night weddings, which he said enable environments that encourage such vices.
The administrator also criticized parents for neglecting their parental responsibilities, stating that some in Lunga-Lunga allow their daughters to attend the night events unaccompanied.
“These girls often fail to return home until the following day, yet no one questions them,” he said.
He reiterated that night functions had been banned, warning that anyone found organizing or attending such events would be arrested and prosecuted in Court.
The sub-county MP Mangale Chiforomodo issued a stern warning to locals, making it clear that he would not protect sex predators.
He reiterated that anyone found guilty of impregnating a schoolgirl will be arrested and arraigned.
“Don’t come to me seeking help to bail you out after defiling a minor. Your rightful place is in jail,” he said.
Chiforomodo said school girls must be left alone and given a chance to grow, achieve their dreams, and fulfill their potential.
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He firmly stated that, as leaders, they will not tolerate any form of misconduct, urging security agencies to take prompt action to bring perpetrators to justice.
Sheikh Amani Mwachirumu called on religious leaders to spearhead campaigns against teen pregnancies, early marriages, and the spread of HIV within their communities.
He stressed that religious leaders should leverage their influence not only to preach the word of God but also to raise awareness about critical social challenges affecting their congregations.
Mwachirumu also urged parents to stay vigilant during the long school holiday to protect schoolgirls from teen pregnancies and other harmful social vices.
According to county records, the sub-county has the highest rates of HIV infections and teen pregnancies in the county, with Mwereni and Dzombo wards recording the highest incidents of teenage pregnancies and violence against women.
By Shaban Omar
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