Meru County Commissioner Mr. Fred Ndunga has raised concern over the increased cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the County in the recent past.

Ndunga said the county was leading in cases of husbands beating their wives and vice versa, rape, defilement, and incest. He said the most significant challenge in fighting the vices is that society seems to be comfortable with the situation and in some instances protecting those engaging in the same.

‘It is unfortunate that the County is ranked the highest in gender-based violence and this is not a sweet song to our ears. It even astonishes me that when someone is arrested for engaging in these vices, family members seek to settle the matter ‘amicably’ instead of letting the law take its course,’ said Ndunga.

He said the responsibility for the ills does not only lie in the hands of the government officers only but also the members of society who should not appear to sympathise with the offenders.

‘You have a role to play in ending these cases even as those in authority take action against them in terms of the law,’ said Ndunga.

He, however, asked chiefs and their assistants to be vigilant in their areas of jurisdiction and make follow-ups to ensure such offenders do not go scot-free.

Source: Kenya News Agency