Nakuru: Nakuru Governor Ms Susan Kihika has condemned the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide, urging for concerted efforts to address both the criminal and moral aspects of this issue. The Governor emphasized the need for a multi-agency approach involving National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), social workers, security agencies, and religious leaders, especially as Kenya observes 16 days of activism against GBV.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Kihika expressed her concern over a recent incident in Nakuru where a 33-year-old woman was allegedly attacked and seriously injured by her husband. She lamented that despite consistent advocacy and progress, femicide continues to claim the lives of mothers, daughters, and grandmothers prematurely. The Governor described the attack as a cowardly and beastly act, affirming that such behavior would not be tolerated in the County.
The Governor assured the public that the County Government of Nakuru stands with the victim, Shiku,
and her family. She stated that through the Department of Social Services, they are collaborating with the police to ensure swift justice. Ms Kihika reiterated her commitment to building a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected, and pledged her full support to ensure justice is served without delay.
Governor Kihika emphasized that if one woman is unsafe, all women are unsafe. She declared it unacceptable that women and girls continue to face violence, highlighting the need for a long-term solution to femicide. She called for urgent action to address the rising cases of violence against women and the increasing reports of their killings, which point to a worsening national crisis.
As Kenya marks 16 days of activism against GBV, Ms Kihika urged the nation to focus on finding proposals and solutions for a comprehensive plan that provides lasting solutions. The country has recorded 97 femicide cases in the past three months, including a brutal murder of a woman, her daughter, and niece.
In
response to the crisis, the government is implementing affirmative actions. Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Ms Anne Wang’ombe announced plans for a national campaign inspired by the successful HIV/AIDS awareness model of the 1990s. She emphasized the need to establish and improve support systems, including shelters and legal assistance for victims, and to enhance data collection on femicide and GBV to inform policy decisions and track progress effectively.
