Bomet: The Bomet National Government Administration (NGAO) team has called for an immediate end to the cultural practice of ‘Kipkaa’, a traditional method used to privately settle cases of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV). The Ngao team says the practice continues to deny victims, especially children, the justice they deserve while shielding perpetrators from legal consequences.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bomet Central Sub-County Police Commander Isaac Kimwele issued a strong warning against the continued use of ‘Kipkaa’ to resolve cases of sexual assault. Speaking during the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Kimwele condemned the practice and emphasized the importance of adhering to legal frameworks for handling such cases. He highlighted that a significant number of GBV cases in Bomet are still quietly settled between families, where suspects pay small fines to avoid facing the justice system.
Kimwele cautioned parents and guardians against accepting informal settlements and ‘kangaroo courts’, stressing the long-term emotional and psychological harm inflicted on victims. He urged residents to break the culture of silence and ensure that all GBV cases are reported promptly. Kimwele stated that justice for GBV victims begins the moment a case is reported to the police, and that private settlements inadvertently shield perpetrators and deny victims protection.
Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok also spoke during the event, raising alarm over rising cases of teenage pregnancies and sexual violence in the county. He cited county statistics indicating that Bomet recorded a total of 4,365 teenage pregnancies among 15-19-year-olds over the last nine months spanning 2024 and 2025. Nationally, 34 percent of girls aged 15-19 become pregnant, while 13 percent of women experience sexual violence and 16 percent undergo FGM.
Governor Barchok assured the police of full county support in the fight against GBV, noting that the newly constructed Bomet Child Holding Centre at the Bomet Police Station will provide a safer environment for sexually assaulted minors as they receive care and support. Authorities say efforts are underway to intensify community policing, public education, and reporting mechanisms to ensure all cases, especially those involving minors, are investigated and prosecuted within the law.
