Police moves in to curb abuse of women in Kisumu

Kisumu, Kenya: Police in Kisumu have started a crackdown on people who abuse women and children following reports of rampant cases of exploitation.

In recent weeks, the lakeside city has been witnessing AN upsurge in Gender Based Violence (GBV) where the victims have been targeted at night when leaving social places while others targeted while going to school.

Speaking to The Standard, Kenya Medical Research Institute Research Officer (KEMRI) Hezbon Simba said more than 80 per cent of rape cases recently reported in the county's health facilities have targeted minors.

The perpetrators are said to have formed a cartel where they pose as Boda boda operators only to pounce on unsuspecting victims.

The latest incident happened last week where a woman left a social place at night and boarded a boda boda for home, but was allegedly taken to a different location where she was gang raped.

Leading the crackdown is Nyanza Regional Police Coordinator Willy Lugusa who said the police are holding a matatu plying Kondele route, after its conductor allegedly abused a woman five days ago.

The victim told the police that she boarded the vehicle to her place in the evening when the conductor started speaking unnecessary words at her and then touched her inappropriately in the presence of other passengers.

"It is unfair for an innocent passenger to be harassed by motorists whose work is to transport passengers from one place to another for compensation," said Lugusa, adding that the police will be holding the vehicle until its owners produce the alleged culprits.

According to police reports, at least four rape cases are under investigations by the station's Child Protection and Gender Unit.