Nakuru County – Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara has issued a stern warning to residents of Kuresoi North and South against the practice of resolving defilement cases through kangaroo courts. He stated that this practice contributes significantly to the spread of HIV. Kibaara spoke at the World AIDS Day celebrations in Keringet, themed ‘Let communities lead’, where he expressed regret over the increasing norm of settling such cases outside the formal legal system.

According to Kenya News Agency, these extrajudicial settlements are not only criminal but also perpetuate the vice of defilement, causing emotional trauma to victims, particularly those impregnated or infected with HIV, or both. He highlighted the negative impact of out-of-court settlements on legal efforts to combat defilement, noting the reluctance of witnesses to appear in court following such agreements.

To reduce the HIV prevalence rate in the area, the County Commissioner urged the community to collectively ensure that perpetrators face justice and that victims receive necessary social, physical, and emotional support. He emphasized the importance of a deliberate and united effort in addressing this challenge.

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones, who also attended the event, echoed Kibaara’s concerns, stressing the need for immediate action to curb the rising HIV infections among adolescents. Kones outlined the County Government’s plan to launch initiatives focused on empowering, educating, and engaging communities to foster a commitment towards an AIDS-free future.

These initiatives include providing HIV training during rites of passage, implementing sensitization programs on HIV prevention, adherence, and treatment, and conducting HIV Exposed Infants (HEI) graduation ceremonies, among others.

The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) 2022 estimates indicate that teenagers in Nakuru County account for 20 percent of the new HIV cases recorded in 2021, highlighting the severity of the issue.