Church leaders in Murang’a have implored Kenyans, especially those in marriages, to embrace dialogue as a way of conflict resolution, instead of resorting to violence.
Speaking at Muchungucha, Kiharu Constituency, during a National Government Affirmative Action empowerment forum (NGAAF), the clergy expressed deep concern over the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence across the country.
They pointed out that alcohol, drug and substance abuse prevalence, especially in central Kenya, are likely contributing to the vice.
“As a Church we are deeply concerned by the many cases of sexual and gender-based violence; every day there are reports of a man or woman who has been killed by their partner, and we are calling for sobriety in relationships.
“Do not turn to violence to solve your differences; instead, embrace dialogue and if the differences feel irreconcilable, involve a trusted person or seek counselling,” observed Rev. Daniel Wanjii of ACK Mt Kenya Central Diocese.
He called on fellow members of the clergy to also use their platforms to offer hope, encouragement and guidance to those suffering emotional distress even as they seek to nourish them spiritually.
“Whereas disagreements are inevitable in relationships, note that life is precious and we must let us guard and protect it; nobody has a right to take another’s life,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, his counterpart, Rev. Ken Maina, expressed concern over the increasing cases of GBV, including the killing of women by their intimate partners.
He called for stronger efforts to protect women and girls, urging parents and guardians to take a more active role in protecting their children from abuse and exploitation.
“Let us turn to dialogue and open communication; violence should and must not be the solution,” he said
The clergy called on families, communities, religious institutions and security agencies to join hands in concerted efforts to prevent GBV and femicide and to create a safe society for all across the country.
Murang’a Woman Representative, Betty Maina, lamented that the County continues to top in cases of sexual and GBV.
She urged mothers and women in general to take seriously their role as the first guardians of their children, warning that many defilement cases are perpetrated by close relatives, including uncles, brothers and even grandparents.
“As a mother or guardian, you must guard your girl child fiercely because research has shown that a higher percentage of these cases are perpetrated by people known to the child,” she emphasized.
She also cautioned parents against the rising cases of abuse affecting the boy child, urging families to protect all children from sexual exploitation.
“Remain vigilant, knowing where your children are and with whom and what activities they are engaging in . maintain open communication with them and create an environment where they can freely report any inappropriate behaviour or threats, even from trusted family members, without fear,” cautioned the Legislator.
Meanwhile, during the empowerment forum, nine social groups from Mbiri Ward, Kiharu Constituency, were supported with Sh100,000 non-refundable funds to boost their existing income-generating activities. Fifteen local business owners also received umbrella shades to provide better working conditions.
By Florence Kinyua
