Police in Kuria West district are looking for a teacher who defiled 12 girls, infecting them with gonorrhoea and HIV. The 42-year-old husband of two worked at Nyamboge Primary School in Nyabohanse.

Seven of the girls are in upper primary and the others in lower primary. The school headteacher Nicholas Marwa said one of the girls came forward last Friday prompting others to follow suit.

The teacher was suspended on Friday. Area children's officer John Langat said another teacher reported the case to his office. The children's officer and the police Langat went to arrest the teacher but he got away.

The 12 girls were tested at Nyamboge and Isebania health centres. He explained that some girls contracted gonorrhoea while others tested positive for HIV and gonorrhoea.

Kuria West police boss Paul Kiogora said they have recorded statements from the children, parents and teachers. "I know we are close to nabbing the culprit," he said.