By Mercy Mutheu, Rongo University
The escalating cases of sexual assault and the killing of girls and women are deeply alarming and demand urgent attention. Just last Sunday, 17-year-old Phedona Auwor, who had been reported missing, was tragically found dead in a thicket in Chamakowa village, Homabay County, showing clear signs of assault. In Rusinga, two similar incidents involving female victims have also been reported. Last year, we witnessed the horrifying case of a young man who assaulted and murdered his own grandmother. These are not isolated events-they are rampant, and society cannot afford to overlook them. It is time to rethink and restructure our approach to ending this crisis.
Remaining silent only allows perpetrators of sexual violence to continue destroying the dreams of our girls, taking lives, and leaving families in grief. Phedona, who aspired to join senior secondary school this year, had her future brutally cut short. How long will we continue to witness such tragedies? These recurring events are dangerously close to becoming normalized in our society. Something different-something stronger-must be done.
Survivors of rape often endure lifelong trauma, trust issues, and even resentment toward men. Their mental well-being is severely affected, shaping their behavior in painful ways. Traumatic experiences trigger distressing memories, leading to unusual habits and strained relationships. Many victims lose trust entirely, especially when betrayed by those closest to them. This inability to trust can isolate them socially, and in some cases, survivors conclude that all men are the same, further damaging their relationships and social lives.
This has gone on for far too long. Beyond sex education programs, awareness campaigns, and survivor support initiatives, decisive action must be taken against perpetrators. For years, offenders have been arrested and sentenced to hard labor, yet cases of rape continue to rise. We must shift focus to the root of the problem-the perpetrator.
Rehabilitation programs should be introduced to address the underlying issues that drive such behavior. Psychologists must identify common patterns during therapy sessions with offenders, providing insights into the causes of rape. This knowledge will help the government design effective strategies to tackle the problem at its source, rather than merely dealing with its aftermath.
At the same time, punishment must be reviewed and strengthened. Individuals convicted of rape and murder should face life imprisonment. Perpetrators must be held accountable, with severe consequences awaiting those who commit such heinous acts. However, justice must be pursued with thorough and meticulous investigations to prevent wrongful convictions and protect the rights of the innocent.
Ultimately, eradicating these crimes requires a dual approach: addressing root causes while ensuring accountability. Only then can we build a safer society where girls and women are free from fear, and their dreams are allowed to flourish.
