Sometimes the people we trust the most almost always end up as our traitors. This painful truth came to light again in the story aired on Citizen TV this evening, where a young girl became a victim of defilement at the hands of someone she trusted deeply. Her tears, her silence, and her broken sense of safety echo the stories of many others who are forced to live with scars that society rarely sees.
Defilement is not just a violation of the body. It is a wound to the soul, a theft of innocence, and a shattering of trust. A girl who experiences this trauma is left grappling with fear, shame, confusion, and often a lifelong struggle to rebuild her sense of self. Many live with anxiety, depression, and even isolation, afraid that society will judge them instead of standing with them.
What makes the situation even more devastating is that in many cases, the perpetrators are often not unknown or mysterious outsiders, but rather people the victim already knows and trusts – family members, relatives, neighbors, or trusted friends. This betrayal cuts deeper than words can describe and forces survivors to carry a heavy silence in places that should have been safe havens.
The statistics are equally alarming. In 2025 alone, Kenya has already recorded thousands of defilement and sexual violence cases, many of them involving children under the age of 18. Regionally, East Africa continues to grapple with rising cases of sexual violence, reflecting a broader crisis across the continent. Globally, reports by organizations such as UNICEF and WHO reveal that millions of children suffer sexual abuse each year, with the majority being girls. These numbers, while shocking, only represent those cases that are reported. Behind the data lie countless untold stories silenced by stigma, threats, or lack of access to justice.
This is not just a statistic or a news story. It is a wake-up call to every parent, teacher, guardian, leader, and community member. Silence and inaction only protect the perpetrators, while the survivors are left to fight their battles alone. We must foster an environment where survivors are supported, believed, and given access to justice and healing.
Defilement is a crime against humanity and against God. It destroys not only lives but also the moral fabric of our society. Condemning it is not enough. We must strengthen systems that protect children, demand accountability from authorities, educate young people about respect and consent, and create safe spaces where survivors can heal and thrive.
The story on Citizen TV tonight is heartbreaking, but it also reminds us of the urgency to act. Even in the storm, the rays of light show that hope and healing can still be found. But hope must be matched with action. Every child deserves to grow up free, safe, and unafraid. It is up to us, as a society, to make sure of that.
