The government has declared zero tolerance on gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, as Vihiga County unveiled a six-month grassroots campaign and far-reaching justice reforms to curb the vice.
The Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang’ombe, and Vihiga Governor, Dr Wilber Ottichilo, led a high-level forum that brought together national and county leaders, survivor networks, youth and disability advocates, and cultural elders.
The PS said GBV is not a mere social problem but a grave violation of human rights that demands decisive action.
“Sexual and gender-based violence is not merely a social issue; it is a fundamental violation of human rights. We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and violence,” she said.
She warned communities against shielding offenders and resolving defilement and assault cases through kangaroo courts.
“It cannot be business as usual. Stop hiding perpetrators, whether they are family or neighbours. Report them and let justice take its course,” Wang’ombe stated.
She said the national government will support community-led initiatives to protect women, men and children, and lauded Women Representatives under the “Mama County” programme for championing survivors.
Governor Ottichilo expressed concern that Vihiga’s GBV prevalence stands at 34 per cent, above the national average of 33 per cent.
In response, the county will roll out a continuous six-month, village-to-village campaign covering all wards to intensify awareness, prevention and reporting.
To enhance access to justice, Ottichilo said the county will set up Alternative Justice System (AJS) offices run by trained elders and community leaders to handle disputes, especially land-related cases that often expose widows to violence, without lengthy court battles.
He also confirmed the gazettement of a new High Court in Vihiga to fast-track prosecution of GBV cases.
On survivor support, the Governor said rescue centres will be fully equipped, while survivors will receive free medical treatment and documentation at County hospitals.
His administration, he added, is working with the Vihiga County Assembly to ring-fence budgets for child welfare, rescue operations and anti-GBV programmes.
Diana Omwenje of Survivors CBO Vihiga urged families to stop treating SGBV as “mambo ya nyumbani” and allow the law to take its course, while fellow survivor Beatrice Minage of Hamisi called on victims in hiding to seek help.
Vihiga County Disability Board Chairperson Naomi Wandela called for inclusive reporting desks with sign language interpreters and special protocols for visually impaired survivors.
Youth representative Michael Luvale called for a dedicated youth fund to support sensitisation and economic empowerment, while cultural elder John Boro said GBV betrays traditional values and urged parents to instil morals at home.
The forum concluded with a unified pledge by leaders, elders, clergy, law enforcers and administrators to build safe and just communities.
By Victor Zedy and Maureen Imbayi
