Rongo men warned not to enter into relationships without requesting for partners' IDs

Men in Rongo have been urged to exercise caution before entering romantic relationships, with authorities stressing the importance of confirming their partners’ identities and ages.

Rongo Sub-County Police Commander, Salim Fundi, advised men to request national identification cards before moving in with a partner or formalising a relationship.

“If a man wishes to pursue a relationship with a lady, he must first ensure she is of legal age by checking her identification card first,” Fundi emphasised.

The police chief warned that engaging in a relationship without verifying a partner’s age could result in serious legal consequences if it later emerges that the woman is a minor.

Fundi highlighted a worrying increase in defilement cases across the sub-county, particularly during school holidays when students are home.

“Many men are misled by appearances. A young girl may seem physically mature, yet she could still be underage,” he noted.

He added that the trend of underage girls presenting themselves as adults, or entering relationships with older men, tends to spike during school breaks, creating both legal and moral complications.

The commander urged men to resist the temptation of engaging with minors, bluntly advising: “Let young girls be.”

According to Fundi, defilement cases are reported almost monthly across nearly all police stations in Rongo Sub-County.

He also called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children, encouraging them to report any incidents of sexual abuse promptly and without fear.

“Parents who fail to report such cases are, in effect, shielding offenders. The long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them,” he warned.

With schools closed, children lack the protective routines, supervision and peer structures provided during term time, leaving some more vulnerable to exploitation