Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed has proposed a complete dismembering of people indulging in sexual activities with minors in the country.
In her new proposals where she is pushing for the amendment of existing laws on sexual offences in the country, Zamzam says many cases of sexual abuse among children have been reported in Mombasa, the Coast region and across the country, reiterating that stringent measures should be taken to safeguard minors from such “animals”
Addressing a forum hosted by the Presidential technical working group on Gender Based violence that had camped at Tononoka Social hall in Mombasa on Wednesday, the Mombasa County MP, said there is absolutely no reason why men should indulge in sexual intercourse with children.
“Our beloved men, what pleasure do you get from defiling a three-year old girl? or sodomising a 5-year old boy? I think the only solution to this is for us to cut-off your manhood,” she noted amid backing from women and gender activists who had filled the forum, that was chaired by a taskforce member who is also FIDA Executive Director, Anne Ireri.
According to the lawmaker, such paedophiles have completely “killed” the dignity of minors—who are left psychologically suffering, mostly through to their adulthood.
She appealed to Mombasa men and the coastal region to desist from such uncouth behaviours that have tarnished the image of the Coast region and mostly, Mombasa county.
“Just do a simple exercise and attend any court session at the Mombasa law courts, you will hear these cases every day. This is truly sad. There should be a law to “cut-up” these men who are sexually attracted to children,” she reiterated.
Reactions
Her remarks sparked serious debate in Mombasa with many male activists saying dismembering men who defiles or rapes is never a solution to sexually violence against children and women in the country.
“As a woman Representative, Zamzam is in a position to push for fully implementation of the already existing laws so that all those who defile minors or engage in rape are pursued, arrested and thrown behind bars for decades,” said Youth activist from Kadzandani Creative Youth Organisation in Mombasa, Omar Chai.
The vocal youth activist however, defender his remarks saying he is not in support of any paedophile in the community.
“We do not back any sexual abuse to anyone in our communities. However, we need the Woman representative to implement measures, create adequate awareness on Gender Based Violence issues and involve we men more and further source for funds to ensure the survivors are in secure places getting the basic physical and psychological needs even as their quest for justice continues in court,” further added Mr. Chai.
His sentiments were further qualified by another Youth activist and the Director Mizizi Youth Organisation in Changamwe Sub county, Mombasa Kennedy Omondi.
According to Omondi, Mrs. Zamzam has all the required tools, the resources, the space to engage various stakeholders and to use the existing laws to pursue and contain Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Mombasa county.
“In fact we cannot go on creating laws after laws without fully implementing what we already have. We must use the existing laws in curbing these social vices and more so ensure our communities take the front lead in fighting Gender Based Violence at the very grassroots level,” added Mr Omondi.
