Police in Cheptagum village, Kuresoi North, are investigating a man who allegedly burned his 13-year-old daughter’s buttocks with a hot knife.
Geoffrey Bett, the chairman of Nyumba Kumi, said that the man is believed to have committed the crime a week ago and locked the child in the house, preventing her from seeking medical attention
The child’s mother was aware of the situation but felt powerless due to threats from the father.
Local leaders after learning about the incident, began searching for the father, eventually finding him and taking him to Sirikwa police station.
“She told the neighbours how her father took a hot knife and burned her on her buttocks. That was not the sad part. Even after the incident, the father did not see fit to take his daughter to hospital for medical attention,” Bett said.
“The mother knew what had happened but could do nothing because the father had threatened to harm them if they reported the matter to anyone,” he added.
The incident reportedly occurred a week ago, and the father locked the child in the house, preventing her from seeking medical attention.
Neighbours became concerned when they noticed the girl had been absent for some time. When she finally emerged, she disclosed to them the abuse she had suffered at her father’s hands and his refusal to take her to the hospital.
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Alvin Kiptur, the secretary of Nyumba Kumi, stated that they were informed about the incident and immediately began searching for the father.
“We looked for him in the places where he hangs out, but we did not find him. However, we found him in another place and when we questioned him about what was going on in his household, he was reluctant and tried to resist. We took him to Sirikwa police station by force,” Kiptur said.
Kuresoi North Sub-county Police Commander Judah Gathenge confirmed that the suspect is in custody, and the girl has been taken to Molo Sub County Hospital for medical care.
“The child was allegedly assaulted by the father a week ago. The father had warned both the mother and the child not to report the incident, so it went unnoticed for a long time. The child has been taken to Molo Sub County Hospital for medical attention,” said Gathenge.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on 24 February.
By Joseph Mambili
