Nyeri: Families have been encouraged to adopt dialogue as a means to resolve disputes and prevent cases of gender-based violence (GBV), which have been escalating in recent days. According to Cheptumo, many family-related disputes that have led to GBV could have been amicably resolved through conversation, thereby preventing unnecessary loss of life or injury.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) is urging community members to restore family values and ideals that have traditionally held family units together. "We need to sit together as the government, church, and community to determine where we lost our way and revive values such as respect, patience, and courtesy. Embracing dialogue will allow us to resolve issues cordially instead of resorting to GBV or suicide," she stated. Cheptumo's remarks follow a rise in cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the country.
A 2024 report by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research revealed that approximately 34% of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, while 13% have encountered sexual violence at some point in their lives. The report also noted that in 2021, out of 8,149 victims of SGBV crimes in Kenya, 92% were female and 8% were male.
The report highlighted that many GBV cases go unreported due to threats, stigma, isolation, and social exclusion, leaving victims vulnerable to further violence. During celebrations in Nyeri marking International Widows Day, which also served as a national GBV sensitization forum, the CS urged victims to report incidents to authorities to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. "All of us must say 'No' to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Urgent and concerted efforts are needed to end SGBV, especially against women and children. To our men, my appeal is for you to respect yourselves," she said.
The event was attended by Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang'ombe, Nyeri Deputy Governor Warui Kinaniri, Nyeri County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi, Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Duncan Maina, and Women Representatives Rahab Mukami (Nyeri) and Ann Muratha (Kiambu). Nyeri's elected leaders emphasized the need for increased sensitization on GBV matters, attributing the rising SGBV cases in the county to drug abuse and illicit brew consumption among men. They also criticized some parents for neglecting their parental duties, thereby exposing children to abuse.
"We are witnessing a surge in bizarre SGBV incidents in this county, many perpetrated by individuals with a history of substance abuse. We need to convene and agree on how to address sexual abuse in our community because this cannot continue," said the county Women Representative.
Nyeri Town legislator urged men to uphold their morals, noting that 90% of abuse perpetrators are men. He also called for the abolition of Kangaroo courts in villages, which he argued deny justice to abuse victims. The MP highlighted incidents, notably in informal settlements, where families have resolved SGBV cases through arbitration. "This practice of resolving abuse cases via kangaroo courts because a family member has abused their relative must end. Victims should not suffer emotional and psychological trauma to protect the family's image. Moving forward, all abuse cases, including defilement, should be settled through the court to ensure victims receive justice," stated Mathenge.