Police in Bugonji village in Masinya sub-county Busia district are holding a heartless father who concealed information that his 10-year-old daughter was defiled so he could gain a monetary reward.
Peter Owundo, the father of the minor, walked in on his local area Vice Chairman, identified as Bwire Yoram, in his bedroom with the child at about 10:00 am on Sunday morning.
A naked Bwire had reportedly threatened the little girl with death and for fear of being killed, she did not utter a word during the ordeal.
Owundo who claims he was tipped off by neighbours about the sinister act attempted to fight off Bwire and raise an alarm but he was soon calmed down. Bwire reportedly pleaded with him to settle the matter amicably without involving the police and Owundo’s anger was soon put aside.
Locals say Owundo left the residence of the LC1 carrying the victim who could barely walk as she was in grave pain, her sky blue skirt covered in blood.
According to Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, Owundo proceeded with the suspect to the residence of the LC1 Chairman to settle the matter and allowed Yoram to settle him with money on Monday morning so that he would conceal the matter.
However, when Owundo approached the office of the LC1 Chairman for payment of an unspecified amount of money the following day, he discovered that Bwire had never brought the money and had in fact, fled the village.
Owundo immediately ran to the police to report the matter but he was instead arrested alongside Yoram, the LC1 Chairperson, for being accessories to the crime and compounding a felony.
“Owundo had a meeting with the suspect (vice LC1) at the residence of the LC1 Chairman to settle the matter, and it was agreed that he picks the money from the office of the LC1 which is not in our laws but after the failed settlement, Owundo started running to the police for help. So we have arrested both the LC1 and Owundo, but the suspect is still at large,” said Enanga.
Compiled by Minah Nalule
