Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 811254,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/811254/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 39,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Nyamunga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 738,
        "legal_name": "Rose Nyamunga Ogendo",
        "slug": "rose-nyamunga-ogendo"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.46(2)(a) to make a Statement on a county issue regarding numerous cases of defilement and insecurity in Kisumu County. The security situation in Kisumu County has deteriorated so much in the recent past. There are very many incidents of robbery, burglary, homicides and assault, defilements and even killings. Most of these incidents were reported during and after the 2017 General Elections. What is worrying regarding these spiraling incidents of insecurity is the trend it has taken of defilement of children. Incidents of defilement in Kisumu County have increased significantly over the past few years. Many parents and guardians alike feel that their children are no longer safe in any place, be it at home, school, churches where they are likely to stray from the watchful eyes of their minders. The safety of the children is so worrying because they are at any given time vulnerable to defilement by strangers and persons who may either be their own fathers, neighbours or close relatives. Mr. Speaker, Sir, children are the building blocks of any nation, therefore, the development of future generations squarely lies with them. The issue of defilement in Kisumu County is eating at the very moral fabric of the society. Hardly a week passes without having to hear that a child has been defiled. Most of these cases go unreported because the victims’ parents or guardians opt to settle the case at home, to the detriment of the child. On the other hand, cases that get reported drag on for so long in the courts of law. Investigations into these cases always take too long to complete. In most cases, the investigations are done shoddily resulting into very few convictions. Poor response by police to distress calls, lack of confidentiality in handling cases, loss of investigation files and intimidation of witnesses have impacted negatively on the fight against the vice. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I, therefore, bring this matter to the attention of the Senate and urge the relevant Government agencies to come up with measures that will ensure that security of the residents of Kisumu County is restored and stop the rising cases of defilement. Where such cases happen, out of court settlement happens. Out of court settlements should be discouraged with a view to having the perpetrators brought to book. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to add a few comments on the said subject. It is very unfortunate that the issue of insecurity is not just found in Kisumu County; it is prevalent all over the Nation. A week does not pass without a report being made on either rape, defilement or any form of robbery upon the citizens of this country. We all know very well that security is not a devolved function; it is still a national function for all of us. It is the national Government which should make sure that the citizens are taken care of and protected. Once a child is defiled, that child lives in trauma for the rest of their life. It becomes a stigma. It is very difficult for young people, children or any woman to get over defilement, rape or any form of attack meted on them. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}