BARINGO, Kenya, Sept 1- Police in Kabarnet, Baringo County have been accused of locking up in cells a standard five pupil for one week after the villagers rescued her from an alleged defiler, in unclear circumstances.
The girl was rescued by the area residents, who also handed over the 25-year-old suspect to the area chief, who subsequently took him to the police station.
The residents however say police at the Kabarnet police station instead of launching investigations, took the girl and put her in a cell for a period of 6 days. The suspect was released.
The incident which happened in Sogon trading centre of Baringo South has sparked anger among residents who say it’s a major setback to the fight against gender-based violence.
The County has been witnessing a rise in cases of gender-based violence. Recently, a 10-year-old girl died after she was defiled.
Police in the area say they held the girl for failing to open up on what had transpired, in a case of a victim being punished.
There is no such provision in the law. The family is calling for justice.
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