Rose Chepkoech, a compassionate businesswoman from Bomet County, is being hailed as a hero after rescuing 3 children who escaped from their allegedly abusive stepfather.
The children, identified as Kevin (11), Calik (9), and Melody (5), were found outside Chepkoech’s gate, exhausted and injured, having walked from Keroka with the intention of reaching Nairobi in search of their father.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Chepkoech recounted the heart-wrenching encounter.”
“They were just following the tarmacked road to reach Nairobi where they believe their father lives,” said Chepkoech.
Distressed and with injuries on their backs, the children revealed that their mother had remarried three months ago, leading to frequent and violent fights with their stepfather.
Determined to protect the children, Chepkoech immediately took them to the local police station for assistance.
However, due to the severity of the abuse and the danger they faced if returned home, the police advised Chepkoech to provide temporary shelter until a suitable long-term placement could be found for them.
“Maisha yao yako hatarini, watoto wapelekwe children’s home,” Chepkoech urged, emphasizing the perilous situation the children were in.
Young Kevin, speaking courageously, expressed his desperation for help.
He said;
“Anatuchapa sana; badala ya kunirudisha afadhali nikufe, afadhali unipige risasi” (meaning he beats us a lot; instead of sending me back, I’d rather die, better to shoot me).
The heart-rending accounts from the children revealed the extent of the abuse they had endured.
Kevin disclosed that their mother had separated from their father and quickly married the abusive man, who subjected them to physical and verbal torment.
“Alikua anatutoa nguo anatuchapa kila siku viboko 30,” Kevin tearfully recounted.
Calik, the 9-year-old, added that their young sister was not spared from the cruelty, as their stepfather would slap her on the ear.
Melody, only 5 years old, expressed sadness over the constant insults.
He said;
“Alisema sisi ni ng’ombe; baba hatutaki, anatuchapa mpaka tukatoroka” (meaning we are like cows, that he doesn’t want us and beats us until we ran away).
Local educator, Mwalimu Mutai, from Bomet, stated that the children desperately yearn to be reunited with their father.
He urged anyone with information about the father’s whereabouts to come forward and provide it to him, Chepkoech, or the nearest police station.