Murang’a: Increasing cases of gender-based violence, murders, domestic conflicts, rape, defilements, and incidents where women and girls are being killed by men who later take their own lives have become a growing concern in the central Kenya region. The worrying trend prompted a public forum in Murang’a County where government agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders met to discuss lasting solutions aimed at reducing the increasing number of such crimes and restoring safety within families and communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting was organized by the Crime Si Poa initiative, a campaign that has been holding similar public engagements in various counties across the country. Murang’a is among the thirteen counties that have so far hosted the sensitization forums. Peter Ouko, a senior official in the organization, highlighted how cases of gender-based violence, family wrangles, rape, defilement, and killings involving intimate partners have risen sharply in recent years, causing fear and pain among many families.
Ouko noted that many cases begin as unresolved domestic disagreements before escalating into violence, adding that early interventions and counseling are necessary measures to prevent the tragedies. His remarks were echoed by Deputy regional police commander, David Wambua, who emphasized the strengthening of security measures to respond to the GBV cases and ensure justice for victims. Wambua urged members of the public to report cases early so that action can be taken promptly.
The forum received support from NACADA, which linked many of the crimes to the abuse of alcohol and narcotic drugs. Edwin Irungu, an official of the agency serving Kiambu and Murang’a counties, pointed out that substance abuse remains one of the major drivers of violence in homes and communities. He encouraged young people and parents to seek help whenever addiction challenges arise, stressing that rehabilitation and awareness programs can help save lives.
Meanwhile, the national government, together with other stakeholders, has called on religious leaders, schools, community groups, and local administrators to join efforts in fighting the vice, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and restoring harmony in society.
