Nairobi: Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Government Coordination Kipchumba Murkomen has decried rising cases of femicide, suicide, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country and called for concerted efforts by key stakeholders to address the vice. The CS bemoaned the brutal killings targeting members of the public, mostly women and young girls, saying the heinous acts of violence both destroy families and shake the community as a whole, making people live in constant fear.
According to Kenya News Agency, the CS, speaking during a media briefing in Ol-Kalou town in Nyandarua County during his 31st Jukwaa La Usalama County Tour, noted that such cases were indicators of deplorable mental health issues but called on investigating agencies to ensure justice is done to victims. He added that the government was trying to look for better ways of addressing the challenges, noting that this is caused by societal and social issues.
At the same time, Murkomen observed that drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse were also major challenges facing many families across the country. He said the proliferation of producers and smugglers for such illicit products from neighboring counties and countries has found the destinations of the products in major markets across the country. Murkomen stated that the government is engaging a multi-agency team to fight against illicit brew and adulterated alcohol.
The CS challenged chiefs and their assistants to establish strategies in their areas of jurisdiction to fight and eliminate the vice in their locations. 'The government is also having a conversation with the governor of Nyandarua County and the Members of County Assembly to establish a state-funded rehabilitation center which will be accessible to victims of alcohol abuse,' the CS added.
Furthermore, the CS observed that the government has made efforts to tackle cases of livestock thefts in Nyandarua County, noting that this has been achieved via collaborations with members of the public and security agencies. He, however, challenged residents to always remain alert and ensure the livestock are properly secured.
On recent skirmishes and political protests during the Genz protest where government offices and a police station were burned down in Ol-Kalou, Murkomen appreciated law enforcers for taking firm action to contain the situation. Furthermore, he pointed out that such crimes of setting government offices, police stations, or individual properties on fire will be treated as acts of terrorism.
However, the CS noted he is going to have robust open conversations with chiefs, law enforcement agencies, and members of the public on the way forward in terms of maintenance of law and order in the county. Nyandarua County Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha appreciated what the government is doing in terms of maintenance of security. However, the Governor urged the CS to consider providing accommodation to some senior officers in Ol-Kalou who were left in Nyahururu town after it was hired to Laikipia County, adding that having the officers at the County headquarters in Ol-Kalou would enhance prompt response to emerging issues.