Alarm as new report shows rising cases of sodomy, defilement among young boys and girls

A disturbing new trend has emerged in the fight against child sexual abuse. For the first time, cases of sodomy against boys have been identified as one of the leading forms of sexual violence against children in the country, according to a new report.

The findings also paint a grim picture for young girls, with those aged between six and 11 found to be the most vulnerable to sexual abuse.

A sharp rise in sodomy cases involving boys is raising alarm among child protection agencies, with the numbers now nearly equaling reported defilement cases against girls, according to new data.

The report on the investigation, reporting and adjudication of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Kenya shows that sodomy and defilement account for 57 per cent of sexual violence cases against children.

Child trafficking for sexual exploitation is recorded at 10 per cent, while the use of children in pornography accounts for 9 per cent.

"Our research has found that sodomy and defilement now lead in cases of abuse..." Midrift Lead Researcher, Leslie Rono said.

The report further reveals that girls aged six to 11 face the greatest risk of sexual abuse, accounting for 39 per cent of all reported cases. Adolescents aged 16 to 18 years make up 25 per cent of the cases, while children between 12 and 15 years account for 21 per cent, highlighting the widespread vulnerability of girls across different age groups.

"We are seeing that younger children are the most affected..." Midrift Lead Researcher Leslie Rono stated.

The report further shows that male neighbours are the main perpetrators of sexual violence against children, followed by close family members. Men aged between 18 and 35 account for 30 per cent of cases, while those below 18 years account for 26 per cent.

"These are very alarming cases that are still being witnessed..." Marie Louise Brandi, ChildRight

The report is now calling on the government to fast-track the hearing of child abuse cases, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) insists that such cases should not be settled out of court.

"We as ODPP have opposed kangaroo courts in these cases and other crimes because they deny victims justice..." ODPP Deputy Director Ebby Maswai said.