10-year-old girl who was defiled by relative 4 years ago buried in Bomet

Shariffa Chepngetich, a 10-year-old girl who was defiled 4 years ago and died due to rape-related complications last week, has been laid to rest at their home in Siyaban village, Bomet County.

Human rights activists and the family continue to seek justice for their loved one who is alleged to have been defiled by her relative, and then succumbed after a series of surgeries.

Josephine Chepkoech, a family friend, said: “I rescued her in 2018 after she was defiled by an uncl…unfortunately, the uncle is free, and it’s sad that I witnessed him receiving us today. It’s a sad day, and I feel for the family because justice is not done.”

The clarion call during the funeral service by mourners was to ensure justice prevails for Shariffa’s family that has been left in grief, as the suspected perpetrator is believed to be an uncle who was set free in 2019.

“We’re going to lay her to rest, but justice must prevail for this girl. How I wish all the gender activists and the government can do something,” added Ms. Chepkoech.

Mary Njeri of Mary Faith Rescue Centre said: “Those 4 years she was not happy because she was in pain, she had gone for several operations after the abuse.”