Police rescue disabled girl held hostage by her parents

Police in Embu North on Tuesday rescued a 15-year-old girl who had been locked up and tied with ropes by her parents at Kibugua village.

Confirming the incident, OCPD Embu North James Karisa said the rescue operation came after a tip off from members of the public.

Karisa said that the girl, who is deaf and dumb, had a fractured leg that was caused by her struggle to untie herself.

The OCPD added that residents were concerned after the girl disappeared, only for them to discover that her parents were holding her hostage.

The police boss said that the parents took off on hearing that police were coming, leaving the girl still tied.

Karisa cautioned parents with disabled children against hiding them saying that it was illegal and instead urged them to allow the children to interact and grow freely.

The girl is now admitted at the Embu Level Five hospital and police have launched a manhunt for the parents.

Last month, Nominated senator Godliver Omondi raised concern over the continued discrimination of the physically challenged in the delivery of services by several county governments.

Speaking at the Embu County Assembly, the nominated senator, who represents the disabled in the Senate, accused governors of not putting enough effort into making their services accessible to the disabled.

According to the senator, over 32 county government offices lack access facilities meant for people with disabilities.

“I want to use Embu County as a role model as far as disability and accessibility is concerned. I have noticed that disabled persons in most counties I have visited are left outside because accessibility to the offices is not possible,” noted Omondi.

Being a victim of the same challenges many persons with disability have to endure, Senator Godliver Omondi strongly accused most of the governors of allegedly discriminating against the disabled.

“You will find the offices of the governors in the 2^nd or 4^th floors. Devol