Caretaker detained in Kisumu for defiling four pupils

The caretaker claimed the children were at fault for the harm that befell them. [Courtesy]

Police in Kisumu County have arrested a 53-year-old man who allegedly defiled four minors in Manyatta estate.

Joel Etale, a caretaker, was detained at Kondele Police Station after the minors aged between seven and nine recounted how he lured them into his house with monetary gifts before defiling them.

They alleged that Etale would entice them every day after school and threatened them with dire consequences if they told anyone.

“He would give us between Sh20 and Sh100 for chips and threaten us not to tell anyone,” said one of the minors.

The act came to light after a teacher became curious and made inquiries about the source of money the minors were always carrying to school.

“I called the teacher to inquire and the teacher told me that they are already investigating the case,” said a parent to one of the minors.

She said the incident has robbed her child of her innocence and vowed to ensure that justice is served.

“It is really unfortunate that an adult has been defiling my daughter,” said the parent.

In a twist, the 53-year-old confessed to committing the act on a few occasions after residents stormed his house on Tuesday evening.

The caretaker claimed the children were at fault for the harm that befell them.

“They used to tell me that they do not have food at their home. I only slept with two,” said the suspect.

Confirming the arrest, area assistant chief Francis Aluko and Kondele OCS Peter Kirui described the incident as shocking.

"We are going to take action to ensure that the children get the justice they deserve," said Kirui.

The minors were taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical checkup. 

Etale will be arraigned on June 30 at Winam Law Courts in Kisumu to answer defilement charges.

Elsewhere, the Magistrate’s Court in Tamu, Muhoroni, will on Wednesday deliver judgement in a case in which a father is accused of defiling his two daughters aged between seven and nine.

The man reportedly infected the minors with HIV.