Leaders in Murang’a have strongly condemned the increased cases of gender-based violence in the country, calling on concerted efforts between the public and all other stakeholders to curb the menace.
Speaking at Maragua during an economic community empowerment forum, they made a passionate appeal to various leaders and the public to unite in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence that is widespread in the county.
The county women representative Betty Maina termed it as unfortunate that the country is still registering high number of reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.
Notably, a high number of femicide cases are being reported across the country.
“Sexual and domestic violence is on the rise here, where our women and girls continue to fall victim. I appeal to all of you to stop these vices that violate the rights of our women and girls that negate their economic and social development,” she said.
“Just this week, in a despicable manner, we lost a 7-year-old girl in Nyeri who was defiled, assaulted, murdered and buried in a shallow grave in the perpetrators’ house,” she added.
She added: “The perpetrators of these heinous acts are most often than not well known to the victim because in this case this man was well known to the child and the mother,”.
Maina noted that relatives and family members, more than strangers, are more likely to perpetrate the violence and urged parents to be cautious and on the lookout for signs of gender or sexual violence.
She also warned against arbitrating GBV cases against either gender through kangaroo courts.
“Negotiating or arbitrating sexual gender-based violence denies the survivor an opportunity of a fair trial to get full justice and further encourages the perpetrator to repeat the offence since severe punishment was not meted out to them,” she said.
Moreover, arbitrating justice outside the court through the kangaroo courts affects the mental and psychological well-being of the survivor who in most instances may be in the same vicinity with the perpetrator.
“It is wrong and illegal issues of sexual gender violence should be reported to the authorities and solved in a court of law only,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Maragua MP Mary wamaua noted that her office had planned public forums that will solely focus on creating awareness on GBV and educating the communities on the same.
“We want to talk openly, and set up spaces where people can talk openly and I believe through these conversations we aim at preventing GBV and femicide by empowering you with knowledge and support,”.
Wamaua also cautioned against arbitrating the cases while urging the police to join in the fight against GBV, as they are key players in ensuring justice for victims and prevention of the vice.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege, called on families to embrace love and peace in their homes.
“Let spouses support each other in the family set up by embracing love, respect and open communication,”.
Let us foster homes where understanding lives and violence has no place, together we can raise our voices against GBV and femicide so that we win this fight,” she averred.
During the forum, 5 social groups were empowered with non-refundable NGAAF funds to support their community-based initiatives.
Further, 6 institutions were supported with 5,000-litre water tanks each marking the completion of the goal to equip all primary schools in Ichagaki Ward with a water tank.
All the elderly present received a blanket each.
By Florence Kinyua
