The Bomet National Government Administration (NGAO) team has called for an immediate end to the cultural practice of ‘Kipkaa’, a traditional method used to privately settle cases of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV).
The Ngao team says the practice continues to deny victims especially children the justice they deserve while shielding perpetrators from legal consequences.
Speaking during the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Bomet Central Sub-County Police Commander Isaac Kimwele issued a strong warning against the continued use of ‘Kipkaa’ to resolve cases of sexual assault.
“I want to strongly condemn the issue of solving sexual violations among our children traditionally in what we call Kipkaa, yet we have laws that guide us on how to legally handle such cases,” Kimwele said.
He regretted that a significant number of GBV cases in Bomet are still quietly settled between families, where suspects pay small fines to avoid facing the justice system.
Kimwele cautioned parents and guardians against accepting informal settlements and ‘kangaroo courts’, saying the long-term emotional and psychological harm inflicted on victims far outweighs any monetary compensation.
“When your child is sexually violated, there is no amount of money that can compensate for it. One day your child will learn that you engaged in ‘Kipkaa’ to silence their case, and let me tell you, it will not be good for you,” he said.
He urged residents to break the culture of silence and ensure that all GBV cases are reported promptly.
“Justice for GBV victims begins the moment a case is reported to the police. When community members choose silence or private settlement over official reporting, they inadvertently shield perpetrators and deny victims the protection they deserve. We must break this culture of quiet suffering,” Kimwele stated.
Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok, who also spoke during the event, raised alarm over rising cases of teenage pregnancies and sexual violence in the county.
“According to county statistics we have, Bomet recorded a total of 4,365 teenage pregnancies among 15–19-year-olds over the last nine months spanning 2024 and 2025”, he stated.
Nationally, 34 percent of girls aged 15–19 become pregnant, while 13 percent of women experience sexual violence and 16 percent undergo FGM.
Governor Barchok assured the police of full county support in the fight against GBV, noting that the newly constructed Bomet Child Holding Centre at the Bomet Police Station will provide a safer and more dignified environment for sexually assaulted minors as they receive care and support.
Authorities say efforts are underway to intensify community policing, public education, and reporting mechanisms to ensure all cases—especially those involving minors—are investigated and prosecuted within the law.
By Nickson Terer
