The International Justice Mission (IJM), in partnership with security agencies and other stakeholders, has inaugurated a Child Protection Centre at the Msambweni Police Station in Kwale to combat the rising cases of defilement in the area.
According to reports from the police, over 123 cases have been documented in the region, with 60 of them originating from Msambweni Sub-county alone.
Speaking during the launch, County Police Commander Ali Nuno expressed deep concern about the alarming increase in the crime, which he described as a significant threat to the future of school-age children whose lives are being devastated at a young age.
Nuno said issues such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages, child sex tourism, exploitation and rape remain to be a major challenges in the region.
He said that the newly launched facility will play a critical role in addressing the issues.
“The centre will provide a safe and comfortable environment for victims to report incidents and give evidence without fear, ensuring justice and protection for the affected children,” he said.
Nuno assured rights defenders and whistleblowers that their security will be prioritized and strengthened, encouraging them to report cases of gender-based violence without fear.
He said they should not be deterred by threats or intimidation and urged them to remain steadfast in advocating for justice for children, who are often victims of abuse at a young age.
Nuno said with the Child Protection Centre now closer to the community, parents should not neglect their responsibility and leave the work solely to the police and gender officers.
He urged parents to actively follow up on cases and collaborate with investigating officers to ensure that proper justice is served for the victims.
“Issues of children not being produced in time in court are common. Please parents play your part,” he said, expressing the security department’s steadfast support for IJM.
Msambweni Law Court Magistrate Leah Kabaria warned the community against resorting to kangaroo courts to resolve defilement cases, stressing that such actions undermine the judicial process.
She also expressed concern over the tendency of many individuals to avoid reporting defilement cases, particularly when the perpetrators are close relatives.
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“Let’s remove the shame from crime and place it where it rightfully belongs,” she said, stressing the importance of accountability and the need for victims to come forward for proper legal redress.
The Magistrate also commended the IJM for establishing the Child Protection Centre, noting that it will play a crucial role in addressing child abuse and ensuring justice for victims.
She emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling child abuse, stating that stakeholders will only succeed in the fight if they work together in unity.
Msambweni Children’s Officer Johnstone Kivuli expressed optimism that the new facility wil improve the protection of children’s rights and ensure that cases are properly addressed.
He acknowledged that logistical challenges had previously hampered their efforts, but said that the Child Protection Centre would now alleviate shortcomings by reducing the distance and costs for victims seeking justice.
Kivuli described the establishment of the facility as a major step forward in providing timely and accessible support for vulnerable children.
He also called on stakeholders in child rights to ensure that justice is served fairly and appropriately for both victims and perpetrators.
“It is important that all parties are treated fairly and that justice is delivered correctly and transparently,” he said.
IJM officer Kalisto Badia said the Child Protection Centre is equipped with a gender desk, as well as interviewing, counselling and waiting rooms, all designed to provide a safe and a supportive environment for victims.
He said the centre was established in response to requests from various stakeholders who recognized the need for such a facility to assist in addressing defilement cases.
By Shaban Omar
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