A wave of public outrage has swept through Busia County after a middle-aged man was caught red-handed allegedly attempting to defile a minor in Nambale Sub-County.
The shocking incident, which unfolded on Tuesday evening, was thwarted by a group of vigilant bodaboda riders who apprehended the suspect after allegedly finding him in a secluded area with the young girl.
According to sources at the scene, the man was discovered in a compromising situation with the underage girl, described by community members as “very innocent.” The swift action of the bodaboda operators prevented a potentially more severe outcome, but not before sparking fury among residents.
A video of the confrontation, widely circulated on social media, captures the stark moment of the of the alleged man, As an angry crowd gathered, the man was heard pleading, “Forgive me, you’ll make people kill me,” a statement that has since drawn further condemnation.
“He knew exactly what he wanted to do but only hoped that he was not caught,” commented Tina Nams, a social activists. “What is it that some men intend to achieve in raping our young girls? It is even sad when one says that he has a wife… the embarrassment the wife is going to face.”
The arrest has ignited a fierce conversation online, with community leaders and citizens expressing their deep concern over the rising cases of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Nyargayieko Bamtoh, a concerned mother and activist, posted: “Why rape such a kid? A child who is very innocent… Men, what have you turned into? This man must be arrested and charged… I condemn this act. Sexual gender-based violence is becoming the order of the day. Our children must be protected.”
The incident has put a spotlight on the safety of young girls in the community, with many calling for the full force of the law to be applied. The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
