Sheryl
Society cannot thrive without morals; these are the standards of conduct that the
reasonable person approves. Recently, I visited several places where I believed my safety
was assured, only to be proven wrong. I witnessed one man engaging in immoral behaviours
around women at two different locations. His face and actions have left a lasting impression
on me, and now, whenever I see him in town, I can't help but anticipate his next move,
which unsettles me.
Public indecency manifests in various forms, many of which people may not fully recognize.
These include:
Staring or ogling someone in a sexual manner
Making sexual gestures with your hands or body
Exposing oneself or indecently touching private parts in public (a behaviour I've seen
and heard complaints about from young girls in my community)
Touching, grabbing, or groping someone without their consent
Pinning someone down or blocking their escape
Displaying or sending sexually explicit pictures or objects
Kissing or hugging someone without their consent
Catcalling or whistling in a sexual manner
Public indecency is a complex issue, not only in Kenya but across Africa. Many people are
unaware that it is a criminal offense punishable by law. The legal framework includes
offenses such as indecent assault, but interpretations of the Sexual Offense Act of 2003,
particularly regarding indecent assault, can be subjective. Current laws are sometimes
criticized for being vague and open to varied interpretations, leading to inconsistent
enforcement. This issue is not just a matter of Western influence but rather a question of
social and psychological immorality. Regardless of regional or rural settings, such behaviours
are universally unacceptable.
Public indecency and indecent assault can negatively impact individuals. Witnessing such
acts can be upsetting or offensive, especially to children, creating a sense of unease and
raising questions about personal safety. Additionally, these acts may be indicative of
underlying mental health issues that require attention. For those with a history of sexual
abuse, witnessing public indecency can be particularly traumatic.
Public indecency is illegal in most places, with penalties varying from fines and jail time to
sex offender registration in some jurisdictions. To address this issue effectively, several
measures can be implemented:
1. Community Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public about the various forms of
public indecency and their implications. Many people are unaware that these
behaviours are offenses that undermine the safety of women and children.
Increased awareness can lead to community vigilance and improved public safety.
2. Improved Public Infrastructure: Advocate for better lighting, landscaping, and park
design to eliminate secluded, dark areas that may encourage indecent behaviour.
3. Clearer Laws: Establish clear definitions and guidelines for what constitutes public
indecency to ensure consistent enforcement and prevent confusion. Consistent
application of the law is crucial for fairness and effectiveness.
Implementing these measures can protect vulnerable groups such as children, women, and
people with disabilities from potential threats and reduce public fear and discomfort. It is a
collective responsibility to ensure that such behaviours are addressed and eliminated from
our society.
