Fear has gripped Githumu locals in Kandara Sub-County, Murang’a County, following a rise in sexual offences against elderly people, including rape and sodomy, a trend residents attribute to increasing drug and substance abuse among youths in the area.
Speaking during an awareness event organized by UHAI Kenya NGO, the elderly residents led by Grace Wangui and Joseph Kuria said many victims suffer in silence due to shame and trauma, as perpetrators continue to evade justice despite repeated reports to authorities.
They also alleged that some victims are being silenced through threats to prevent them from speaking out.
Margaret Magiri, another elderly resident, alleged that some young men target widows after the death of their husbands and sexually abuse them without fear of repercussions.
Similarly, Joseph Kuria said many elderly men who visit entertainment spots are often attacked by fellow men while returning home at night and allegedly sodomized, leaving them with severe physical and psychological trauma.
The residents said the incidents continue to inflict immense physical and emotional suffering on elderly people during their later years, leaving them helpless and without adequate support.
Speaking at the same event, UHAI Kenya NGO Chief Executive Officer Edwin Kibe condemned the acts, saying it is shameful for young people to prey on elderly persons who should instead be protected and supported.
Kibe called on the government to establish elderly support centres in every sub-county where victims can report abuse without fear or shame and access the assistance they need, while also urging police officers to handle such cases with urgency.
He, however, cautioned elderly men who frequent entertainment spots to remain vigilant, especially when intoxicated, as they may become vulnerable to sexual assault.
The event, which attracted more than 400 elderly people, also saw beneficiaries receive food packages from Capwell and donations from the Safaricom Foundation, including tents and chairs to support elderly groups that have formed empowerment initiatives through the support of UHAI Kenya NGO.
