Jitegemee Children’s Home in Machakos. Photo Virginia Siebela. 
By Virginia Siebela
Cases of child defilement and rape continue to rise in Machakos County, with child rights advocates blaming close family members as the primary perpetrators.
The advocates claim that fathers, brothers, and uncles are significantly involved in committing these heinous acts, while parents of the affected children often remain silent as the abuse takes place.
Emily Kimanzi, the Children's Officer for Machakos Sub-County, is now calling for closer parental care, urging parents to dedicate quality time to their children every day.
Mumbuni Chief Mathew Mulee revealed that his office receives reports of defilement or rape almost every week, underscoring the alarming frequency of such cases.
The officials were speaking at the Jitegemee Children’s Home in Machakos during the celebrations of the Day of the African Child, where they endorsed the government’s directive to phase out children’s homes.
They emphasized that the best approach to raising children is within a family setup.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ali, a religious leader from the Muslim community in the county, blamed political leaders for setting a poor example by hurling insults during public rallies and online, noting that children often mimic such behavior.
Jennifer Katiwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Jitegemee, also called for intensified awareness among children about their rights and urged them to speak up fearlessly when they face abuse.
