Widows and women staying alone in Okanda village, Kapiyo Sublocation, Bondo Subcounty are living in fear following a series of attacks by a suspected serial rapist.
Everlyne Magero, Lilian Asiro, Karen Okelo, and Marceline Otieno narrated how the unknown assailant has made their lives a nightmare over the past month.
Magero, who is now appealing to the local administration and police to heighten security, said the suspect has been breaking windows and doors to gain access to homes before committing or attempting to commit sexual assault.
“The rapist targets homes where widows live alone or houses where women and schoolgirls sleep unaccompanied. Over the last month, several women have been raped while others managed to fight him off,” Magero said.
Asiro, a student, recalled how her screams drew neighbours after the suspect removed a steel window and entered her room. Though she was rescued, the attacker escaped.
The victims claimed to have reported the incidents to the area Assistant Chief, but said little has been done to guarantee their safety.
Assistant Chief Denis Ojwang confirmed receiving four reports of rape and attempted rape in the last month.
He revealed, however, that stigma and fear of retaliation have prevented many victims from filing official complaints with the police, complicating efforts to apprehend the culprit.
“We have organised community barazas to sensitise residents on improving their security and encouraged them to report incidents at the police station. Unfortunately, fear and stigma have discouraged many victims,” Ojwang said.
He urged residents to secure their houses with strong doors and locks and advised parents against allowing daughters to sleep in separate houses to reduce vulnerability.
The incidents have left women in Okanda village anxious and fearful as calls for urgent police intervention intensify.
