Source:The Star
By Raphael Mwadime,
Date 9 July 2012
A judge has decried rampant sexual abuse of schoolgirls in Taita Taveta. Speaking during the Mwatate district education day celebrations at Kenyatta high school, Justice Msagha Mbogholi said despite harsh penalties for culprits by courts, the crime has not declined. “I congratulate our local magistrates for the good job they are doing by handing severe penalties to those found guilty of child abuse offences. This will send the right message to the culprits of such vices,” Mbogholi said. He said the abuse of young girls was affecting their performance in schools.
He blamed drug abuse and lack of parental responsibility to the increasing cases of sexual abuse in the county. “We have a problem in Taita, and I talk as one of your own. Our biggest problem is alcoholism. In 1906 a report sent by the then Taita governor said that the Taita people are some of the most obedient natives in the protectorate, but their only vice is abuse of alcohol,” the judge said.
He appealed to parents and teachers to be role models for their children. “Let us counsel and guide our children from a younger age. Most children abuse drugs since they emulate their parents and guardians. When you drink and start misbehaving before your children, what kind of a role model are you being to them?” he posed. Emily Kamithi representing Mwatate MP Calist Mwatela, said local schools had performed poorly in last year’s national examinations failed because of irresponsible parents and sloppy teachers.
