The County Assembly of Kiambu has passed a motion compelling the area
County Government to develop a framework enhance efficiency in dealing
with rape cases, from treatment, arrest and prosecution of the suspects
involved.
A motion tabled by Wanjiku Kibe (nominated) and approved by
the members urges the county government to develop a comprehensive post
rape care policy framework to complement the national government efforts
in address rape incidents which she decried have been on the increase.
Among the issues include establishment of a forensic laboratory within
the County to facilitate effective gathering and storage of DNA evidence
after reported rape cases.
It also seeks the established a mechanism to
ensure proper coordination and collaboration amongst law enforcers,
hospitals and community through which an all-inclusive programme on
sensitization, prevention and management of post rape care. The former
broadcaster is also rooting for a mechanism of engagement between the
county government and the national government for establishment of a
specialized Sexual Offenses Unit within the county. She argued that the
current structures have proofed to the inefficient in tackling the
incidents which have continued to increase and delayed or no justice to
the victims, noting that Kiambu recorded a 9 percent increase in raped
cases according to the recent police statistics. The motion also seeks
establishment of a toll free hotline in all health facilities for
purposes of reporting, counselling and equipping it with adequate
trained personnel and abolished of fees charged on rape victims for
services rendered.
ERIC WAINAINA, Standard Media