Bomet: 52-Year-Old Man Arrested for Alleged Defilement of Two Learners During Lunch Break
Learners Attacked While Commuting from School
BOMET — Police in Bomet County have arrested a 52-year-old man accused of defiling two primary school learners, aged 6 and 10, while they were walking home during their lunch break on Friday.
The suspect, identified as Kipkirui Sitonik, is currently being held at Longisa Police Station as investigations continue.
Bomet East Sub-County Police Commander Michael Singa confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect accosted the minors in transit and dragged them into a maize plantation in the Murany area.
Safety Concerns During School Breaks
Following the harrowing ordeal, the suspect reportedly released the young learners and gave them Ksh.50 each. The victims immediately returned home and recounted the incident to their guardians.
This incident raises fresh concerns regarding the safety of day-scholars and younger learners commuting unguarded. Educators and child protection advocates on teacher.co.ke continue to urge communities and parents to remain vigilant and ensure secure transit routes for school-going children.
Authorities noted that the swift reporting by the victims prompted an immediate search operation by local law enforcement.
Suspect Apprehended by Community and Police
After receiving the report, officers, supported by vigilant local residents, initiated a manhunt.
Police tracked Sitonik down to a local establishment at Kembu Trading Centre, where he was found drinking and subsequently taken into custody.
Meanwhile, the two young victims were safely transported to Longisa Referral Hospital, where they are undergoing medical examination and receiving the necessary psychological support.
Security officials and education stakeholders reiterate their commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse face the full force of the law, keeping school zones and their surrounding environments secure for all learners.
