Police Officers in Kericho County have arrested a man suspected of defiling and killing a two-year-old girl from Kipkelion East Sub-County last week.

The arrest comes after the incident sparked rage among villagers who staged peaceful protests in Kericho town.

The irate protestors were led by Kericho woman rep Beatrice Kemei.

They carried placards and chanted slogans, marching along the streets whilst demanding justice for the minor who was defiled and left for dead.

Kemei narrated how the baby was stolen, defiled, strangled and discarded into the river Kipchorian a week ago.

“This heinous act of violence is not just an assault on one child but on the very fabric of our humanity and we will not remain silent in the face of such evil," said Kemei.

"We must stand up and speak against these barbaric crimes. The perpetrators of this monstrous act must be brought to justice swiftly and with no compromise,” Kemei added.

She called for the protection of every child adding that such atrocities should not be allowed to continue in society.

Kericho County Commissioner, Gilbert Kitiyo, addressed the irate protestors.

He said that the suspect who had been at large since he committed the vice has been apprehended and awaits being arraigned.

Kitiyo disclosed that cases of defilement, early marriages, and underage child pregnancies were on the rise.

He assured the residents that the culprits would face the full force of the law.

“High school girls between the ages of 12 to 18 are the greatest victims of defilement in the county and reports indicate that some suspected boda boda riders are mainly the culprits,” said Kitiyo.

He said Kenya is committed to ending the triple threat that includes new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence by 2030.

The National AIDS Control Council (NACC)and National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) have partnered with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), other government entities and implementing partners to develop and implement strategies for eliminating the triple threat.

According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), sexual and gender-based violence refers to any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will.

It is based on gender, norms and unequal power relationships.