Police in Bungoma have arrested a nurse at a private medical facility after he was accused of raping a Form Three student who had been admitted for wound dressing and malaria treatment.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Martin Wekesa, was reportedly caught in the act on Friday night by a colleague making rounds in the wards. According to preliminary reports, Wekesa is said to have admitted the incident to the facility’s management.
The victim’s family, however, has alleged an attempt by the hospital to cover up the case. They claim the minor was forced to bathe immediately after the assault, which they believe was an effort to destroy crucial evidence.
What did the victim’s mother say about the alleged cover-up?
Speaking to the media, the girl’s mother, Peninah Barasa, described what her daughter told them after the assault. “Mtoto alituambia huyo daktari alimvuruta na akamvua hizo nguo, na mahali walikuwa hakukuwa na mtu mwingine lakini the following morning after hicho kitendo kufanyika saa sita usiku walimwambia mtoto wetu aingie bafu aoge. They are trying to conceal the evidence,” she said.
Bungoma South Police Commander William Letting confirmed the arrest and warned against the increasing cases of sexual assault in the area. “Police officers walipopata hio report mara moja wakaenda kwa hiyo hospitali na wakadhibitisha kisa hicho na pia wakamshika huyo mshukiwa ambaye tuko naye hapa korokoroni. Tumefungulia mashtaka na anangoja kupelekwa kortini,” Letting stated.
The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. Police have assured the victim’s family that the case will be handled transparently, while also cautioning that perpetrators of defilement and sexual assault will face the full force of the law.
By Modester Nasimiyu
