Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi has urged the Nyanza residents to join in the fight to eradicate the Triple Threat Effects (new HIV cases, Gender-Based Violence-GBV and adolescent pregnancies) that continue to hugely affect the lake region.
Wandayi who spoke during the United Action to Combat the triple threat event that brought together political leaders, opinion leaders and women from the Nyanza region at the Migori Green Stadium urged the residents to help in the fight by addressing the challenges of new HIV and Aids infection, early marriage and teenager pregnancy (dubbed Triple Threat).
Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori and Kisii are among the top ten leading counties with higher HIV cases in the country reflecting the impact burden in the lake basin region.
Wandayi said that the initiative to bring the Nyanza leaders to address the matter has shown how serious the menace of the new HIV and Aids has affected the lakeside region.
“We were making serious gains to curb the new HIV and Aids in recent years but the continuous surge of the menace may bring us back to the drawing board,” said Opiyo.
He said that the new HIV and Aids infection is an alarming scenario that needs to be tackled urgently to save the future generation in the Nyanza region.
“We need workable strategies like the one we are having today to combat the triple threat effects to save our future generation,” noted Wandayi.
On the issue of Gender Based violence (GBV), Wandayi urged the Nyanza men to focus their energy on productive work instead of battering their wives.
“We need hard work, dedication and discipline to achieve meaningful development and men can help us drive the agenda. In this age there is no reason why men should be using their energy to batter their women,” said Wandayi.
Wandayi also praised President William Ruto for forming a broad-based government to realize a transformative Kenya and an inclusive country to steer the social-economic development of the country.
“As a people of Nyanza region, we can still fight for the rights of our people in government and those that are saying we have abandoned our fight and our people are lying, concluded Wandayi.
Migori Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko echoed CS Wandayi’s call urging the Migori residents to join hands with the rest of the Nyanza region to combat the triple threat and protect the future generation.
Ochilo called upon women to channel their influence at homes, workplaces and in the political arena to positively better the society.
He added that his administration was committed to fostering women’s empowerment, providing quality education to young girls, and ensuring justice for those who violate their rights.
The event was also graced by Homabay Governor and Chairperson of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Gladys Wanga, Women Representatives from Nyanza, opinion leaders and the wife of former Prime Minister, Ida Odinga.
By Geoffrey Makokha
