Makueni: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has been singled out as one of the most severe human rights challenges of the present time, undermining dignity and affecting people across all social and economic groups. Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said GBV continues to weaken families, disrupt education, damage public health, reduce economic productivity, and slow down overall development at both county and national levels.
According to Kenya News Agency, the governor’s remarks were delivered by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili during an Engagement Forum for Anti-GBV Champions held at Makueni Integrated Vocational Education Centre (MIVEC) in Makueni Sub-county on Wednesday. The governor emphasized the extensive impact of GBV, stating, ‘GBV remains one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time. It cuts across age, gender, economic status, disability, culture, and religion.’
He further elaborated on the consequences of GBV, noting that beyond violating human dignity and rights, it has far-reaching effects on community well-being and national development. ‘Beyond violating the dignity and rights of individuals, it also damages public health, weakens families, disrupts education, limits economic productivity, and slows our collective development,’ he said.
Mutula called for collective action from clergy, community leaders, development partners, security agencies, government institutions, and civil society to break the culture of silence that enables GBV to persist. He warned that GBV thrives in environments where victims remain silent, urging residents to speak out against abuse in homes, schools, workplaces, places of worship, and public spaces.
‘I therefore urge every one of us to break the culture of silence; violence thrives where there is silence. Every citizen has a responsibility to speak out against abuse. Protecting the vulnerable is not merely a government responsibility; it is a moral obligation,’ he said.
The governor further called on men and boys to play a leading role in challenging harmful social norms and stereotypes that perpetuate violence against women and girls. ‘Our vision is to build a Makueni where every child grows up free from fear, every woman lives in dignity, every man embraces positive values, older persons are respected, and every person with a disability enjoys equal protection and opportunity,’ he said.
He also appealed to the national government to increase financial support to counties to strengthen GBV prevention and response programmes. He urged communities to reject harmful traditional practices, discrimination, and stigma that fuel inequality and violence.
Mutula noted that his administration, in partnership with development agencies and stakeholders, will invest in awareness campaigns, community dialogue forums, survivor support systems, and strengthened coordination among relevant sectors. He observed that although many GBV cases occur, only a few reach court and urged residents to report incidents to ensure justice for survivors, particularly women and girls.
Wote Division Assistant County Commissioner Nancy Kimutai said the national government will work closely with the county government to combat GBV in Makueni County. She urged GBV champions drawn from the 30 wards to collaborate with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) in barazas and community engagements to reach more residents.
‘I want everybody to be a champion of GBV. Join NGAO officers from assistant chiefs to deputy county commissioners in barazas so that we can work together and eliminate this vice,’ she said.
During the forum, the GBV champions were trained on GBV-related laws, psychosocial support, evidence preservation, case management, legal redress, and access to justice. They were also issued certificates in recognition of their role in promoting justice, combating harmful social norms, and supporting survivors.
County officials, judiciary representatives, health officers, prosecution teams, and development partners attended the forum.
