Igembe North residents have been urged to strengthen their cooperation with local administrators in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Leaders encouraged residents to speak up against the vice while addressing the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Mariri and KK Baithae Primary Schools.
The call comes against the backdrop of a recent surge in GBV-related incidents, including cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and gang-rape reported within the last month, sparking public outcry both locally and nationally.
Speaking during the event, which brought together residents, political leaders and National Administration Officers, Igembe North Member of Parliament Julius Taitumu urged the community to report all GBV-related information to authorities to help curb the vice.
He condemned what he termed as rising moral decay in the constituency, urging locals to safeguard their customary values and uphold community principles.
Taitumu further attributed the growing indiscipline to drug abuse and called on administrators to intensify efforts to restore order.
Addressing residents at Mariri, Igembe North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Martin Muhia, called for stronger collaboration between the public and the security agencies, noting that such cooperation would greatly ease their work.
He strongly condemned outdated and harmful cultural practices such as FGM, which expose girls to physical and psychological harm, stripping them of rights protected under the Kenyan Constitution.
“We have arrested parents and circumcisers from Linjoka who subjected girls to FGM, and as we speak, they are before the court,” said Muhia, adding that security agencies are still pursuing other suspects linked to the incident.
Muhia also expressed concern over rising cases of teenage pregnancies in the region, describing the trend as a “thorn in the flesh” and urging parents to remain vigilant and guide their children, especially during the festive season.
Igembe North Police Commander Gerald Marando encouraged residents to report crimes or suspicious individuals to the police, assuring them of confidentiality and even offering his personal line for those who may feel unsafe reporting through other officers.
Women’s groups present at the celebrations vowed to intensify their efforts in fighting GBV and promoting the protection and empowerment of girls and women in the constituency.
By Kamanja Maeria
