By KPC Reporter
The government has shut down St. Peter Rigena Orthodox Orphanage Home and School in Kisii County following allegations that a child under its care was defiled by the institution’s manager.
The closure was executed over the weekend by a multi-agency team led by the Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services, after it was discovered that the orphanage was operating illegally without registration from the Department of Children Services (DCS).
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Sixteen children were rescued from the facility and have since been relocated to government-approved child protection centres.
The move comes as investigations into the defilement case and the orphanage’s operations continue.
Principal Secretary for Children Services, Caren Ageng’o, confirmed that the government acted swiftly after receiving reports of sexual abuse.
“We received information about a child who was sexually abused by someone entrusted with their care, the manager of this facility. The suspect is currently out on bond, which raised serious red flags and prompted urgent intervention,” said PS Ageng’o.
Ageng’o revealed that the orphanage was not registered with the Department of Children Services, violating Kenyan law which mandates that any institution housing children must be licensed as a Charitable Children Institution (CCI) and subject to regular renewal.
“This facility has been operating in total violation of that mandate, meaning the children were being housed here illegally,” she added.
She warned that the government will continue cracking down on unregistered and non-compliant child care institutions across the country.
“When a child is harmed and the suspect walks free, that’s a failure of the justice system. We urge our courts to treat child protection matters with the seriousness they deserve.”
The rescued children are now receiving psychological support and basic care in secure facilities. Ageng’o emphasized the importance of public vigilance:
“Any member of the public who witnesses child abuse or suspects foul play in a children’s home must report immediately. The lives and dignity of our children must never be compromised.”
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The operation involved officers from the County Children’s Department, the Office of the County Commissioner, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Police Service, and the National Council for Children Services (NCCS).
Abdinur Mohammed, CEO of NCCS, stressed the need for routine inspections and stronger community involvement.
“In Kisii County alone, we monitored 23 institutions last year. While some are compliant, others operate in secrecy and fall short of government standards.”
“Children thrive best in a family environment. We encourage fostering as a preferred alternative to institutional care.”
Secretary for Children Services, Shem Nyakutu, echoed the call for collective responsibility:
“A child is not the responsibility of one individual or department. As Africans, we believe in the proverb: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ We must all play a role; as neighbours, teachers, leaders, and parents.”
Nyakutu urged the public to report illegal or unsafe child care centres to local children officers or through toll-free hotlines provided by the Ministry.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the operations of St. Peter Rigena Orthodox Orphanage, including a financial audit, staff qualifications review, and interviews with the rescued children. The findings will inform broader enforcement actions nationwide.
In the meantime, government officials are calling on the judiciary to prioritize child abuse cases and ensure timely justice.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” PS Ageng’o concluded. “We will not rest until every institution caring for children in Kenya is fully compliant with the law — and every child is safe, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.”
