Murang'a: A campaign to address gender-based violence against women and girls, mostly perpetrated by men and in some cases leading to death, has been launched in Murang'a County. A women's group from the Senate (KEWOSA), chaired by nominated Senator Veronica Maina, has partnered with some human rights organizations and officials from the Ministries of Gender and Education to empower women to speak out and confront this issue.
According to Kenya News Agency, Senator Maina, speaking during the launch in Murang'a town, emphasized the urgency of addressing the crisis and the importance of empowering women to speak out. She noted that 570 women have been affected by gender-based violence in just one year, a number that shocked many in attendance. 'That number is not just a statistic; it represents lives lost, families broken, and communities wounded. We cannot continue to lose our daughters, sisters, and mothers to silence and brutality. This campaign is about breaking the silence. We want every woman to know her life matters, and there are leaders ready to stand with her,' averred Senator Maina. She continued, 'We will continue to push for stronger laws and more protection for women at all levels. The time to act is now. We must rise up together as a society to end this cycle of violence and restore dignity, justice, and safety for all women and girls in Kenya.'
On the security front, Murang'a East Sub-County Police Commander Ms. Reginah Muriuki called on women to report incidents of sexual and gender-based violence without fear. 'If you are sexually abused, do not stay quiet. Come forward and report immediately. We are here to help you. Silence protects the abuser, and speaking up protects others,' she urged. Echoing the call for action, Kahuro Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Esther Mwaura encouraged survivors to use existing systems to seek justice and support. 'All police stations now have gender desks, and they are open to you. Do not hesitate to walk in and report any form of abuse. Your voice will be heard, and action will be taken,' Ms. Mwaura remarked.
The event brought together hundreds of women from all six wards of Kiharu Constituency in Murang'a Town, where they gathered for an open forum to address the growing crisis of violence against women. Mercy Njeri, a resident of Kiharu and one of the forum's participants, spoke candidly about the struggles faced by women in the community. She revealed that for many years, victims have had no safe space to speak of or seek help. The fear of being judged, dismissed, or even harmed further kept them silent. 'For years, many of us have suffered in silence. Today I feel seen and heard. I'm grateful for this initiative because it gives us strength and shows us that change is possible if we speak up,' she noted. 'It's not easy to talk about what we've been through, especially when the very people meant to protect us often ignore our cries. But today, seeing women come together, supported by leaders and officers, gives me hope. I now believe that my daughters can grow up in a safer, more just society, and one where the y will never have to suffer the way so many of us have,' Njeri added.
Among the key drivers behind this alarming trend are increased incidences of abuse of alcohol and drugs, as well as deepening poverty and poor living conditions that make women more vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Meanwhile, officials from the Ministries of Gender and Education urged residents to remain vigilant and report perpetrators of violence, especially those targeting young girls in rural communities.