Raila Decries Rising Cases of Kidnapping and Murder of Children in Kenya

ODM leader Raila Odinga has decried the rising cases of abuse, kidnapping, and murder of children in the country.

Odinga, through a statement on Thursday, called for concerted efforts to end the sad trend, saying children are the future of the country and must be safeguarded.

“We marked the day of the African child against the backdrop of increasing heartbreaking reports of missing, murdered, harmed, and abused children in our country,” said Odinga.

He urged government authorities and members of the public to play part in protecting the lives, health and future of children.

“However hard life may be, we cannot turn our backs on our children. We need vigilance. We need to report suspicious activities early and immediately. Let’s end this sad trend,” said Odinga.

He added: “Let us look towards children's health and safety concerns and away from a policy of reuniting children with their birth parents without regard to prior abusiveness.”

Cases of abuse, assault, kidnapping, rape, and murder of minors have been on the rise in the country in the recent past.

A few weeks ago, eight-year-old Shantel Nzembi was kidnapped and murdered in Kitengela, Kajiado County. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with her murder as investigations continue.

Priscilla Naserian, an 11-year-old girl who was reported missing two months ago in Kajiado was recently found dead in a bush at Maili Tisa. Police are still probing her disappearance and death.

The two are among many cases of children reported across the country, raising concern about the safety of children.