Leaders in Garissa County have expressed deep concern over a rise in sexual offences, including gang rape, sodomy, and paedophilia, which were previously unheard of in the region’s predominantly Muslim society.
Currently, 51 cases related to these crimes are being prosecuted in court, with 47 individuals already convicted and jailed.
In the last two months alone, seven cases of sodomy and five cases of rape have been reported.
This troubling trend has drawn the attention of political, religious, and civil society leaders, as well as national government administrators.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Garissa Primary School grounds, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama voiced his concern over the increase in these vices.
He noted that such crimes were once rare in the county but have now become alarmingly common.
“Today, we face serious problems with behaviours that were previously unheard of in this county. We are working with stakeholders and security teams to counter this evil,” Jama said.
“Issues like gang rape, sodomy, and paedophilia must not be tolerated at any cost.”
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo also condemned the rise in sexual and gender-based violence, warning that security agencies will take firm action against offenders.
He emphasized that these acts are against religious teachings and cautioned elders against resolving such cases informally through the Maslah system.
Mwabudzo urged leaders to address the increase in sexual violence, teenage pregnancies, and new HIV infections.
He called for reforms in how the Maslah system is used, emphasizing that only qualified elders should participate in Alternative Justice Resolutions to prevent misuse.
“We still have some people misusing Maslah. While Maslah is not inherently bad, some elders have turned it into a source of income. We must establish clear guidelines on who is qualified to sit in these meetings to ensure justice is served,” Mwabudzo added.
