Thika: Stakeholders in Thika’s Kiandutu slums have raised concern over the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the area, where more than 50 cases are reported monthly. The cases, they say, involve defilement, sodomy, rape, and physical assault.

According to Kenya News Agency, Peter Muchunu, a medic at the Kiandutu Level 2 Hospital, reported that they receive a minimum of 20 cases monthly, with 30 others recorded at the police help lines. Most of the cases involve defilement of young girls, with some being so severe that they are referred to the Thika Level 5 Hospital. Muchunu noted that the actual number of cases might be higher since many go unreported due to their sensitive nature. He added that the cases in the sub-county could number in the hundreds monthly, as the current data covers only one slum in Thika town.

Muchunu highlighted that fear of repercussions from perpetrators often leads to underreporting, particularly in cases of sodomy and defilement. This increase in GBV cases has
prompted stakeholders, including the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA), the police, the judiciary, and other community-based organisations, to develop comprehensive initiatives to address the crisis and raise awareness within local communities.

Susan Gitau, KCPA Chairperson in Thika, stated that their initiative focuses on providing both immediate psychological treatment and long-term counselling for survivors, addressing the emotional and mental trauma caused by GBV. Gitau stressed the importance of offering not only legal and medical support but also psychological care to aid victims in healing.

Gitau also pointed out that while women and girls are the most visible victims of GBV, men and boys are increasingly facing violence as well. She noted that men often experience emotional and psychological abuse, while boys face rising instances of sexual abuse, such as sodomy. This situation leads to a traumatised community, where the behavioural outcome is often anger, perpetuating the cycle
of abuse. Gitau emphasised the need to address all forms of GBV.

In response, the organisation plans to conduct workshops and sessions in the coming days to educate the public on the various forms of gender-based violence, its impact, and the resources available to those affected. Additionally, KCPA will offer free counselling services to victims of GBV, providing a confidential space for survivors and those impacted by trauma to process their experiences.