Marsabit, Kenya| Authorities in Marsabit County have arrested a man suspected of defiling a 7-year-old girl in the Songa area of Saku Constituency.
The arrest was confirmed by Songa area Chief Luka Lekipayan, who said the suspect had been on the run since the incident occurred.
According to Chief Lekipayan, the suspect—believed to be in his mid-twenties—was apprehended in the Hulahula area, where he had gone into hiding.
Following his arrest, he was transported to Central Police Station in Marsabit town, where he is currently being held in custody.
“The suspect was tracked down in Hulahula after days of coordinated efforts by security personnel and community informants. He will remain in custody as he awaits to be formally arraigned in court,” said Chief Lekipayan.
Law enforcement officials have since launched investigations into the case, which has shocked and angered residents of the normally quiet Songa area.
The young victim is reported to be receiving medical care and psychosocial support, as authorities work to build a strong case against the suspect.
Chief Lekipayan, while condemning the incident, urged parents and guardians to be extra vigilant during the ongoing April school holidays, warning that children are especially vulnerable to exploitation and abuse during such breaks.
“This is a very painful and disturbing incident. I want to urge all parents and caregivers to be more watchful and involved in the lives of their children, particularly now when schools are closed. Protecting our children must be a collective responsibility,” he said.
The chief further called for community cooperation in reporting suspicious individuals or behavior that could endanger the wellbeing of children and other vulnerable members of society.
Local leaders and residents have also voiced their concerns, calling for swift and firm action to ensure justice for the young girl and a strong deterrent to such crimes in the future.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned once preliminary investigations are complete. Authorities have assured the public that the matter will be handled with utmost seriousness and in accordance with the law.
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