Various stakeholders in Kisii County held a peaceful demonstration to condemn spiraling cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child molestation in the area.
This follows overwhelming reports of defilement and murder cases of children in the county prompting both Governmental and non-governmental organizations to hold the demo in Kisii Town to condemn the vice.
There was a traffic snarl-up on Friday in the town as Kenya Red Cross, Muungano Gender Forum, Young Women Christian Association, Center for Communication Mobilization and Empowerment (CECOME), Mwanyagetinge Care Initiative and some Kisii County MCAs walked through the streets chanting slogans and blowing vuvuzelas.
The Kisii County Health Gender Mainstreaming and Mental Health Officer, Ruth Mogaka lobbied for stringent measures against perpetrators of gender based violence and child abuse.
“According to the National Crime Research Centre, Kisii is at 23.3 per cent for defilement reported cases while 159 cases have been reported since January this year,” revealed Mogaka.
Mogaka advocated for set up of a forensic laboratory in the county to hasten testing of samples, and rescue centers across all sub counties where victims can be placed away from perpetrators as cases go on.
Sarah Omache, CEC for health said she was dismayed by the rising number of defilement and rape cases promising to champion for the protection of both male and female gender of adults and children.
She urged the national government to add more Gender-Based Violence desks in all police stations in the county.
In his address to disperse the crowd, the Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Leonard Mgute underscored the commitment of the government in fighting Gender-Based Violence among other crimes.
He appealed for courage in recording statements and testifying in court for justice to prevail.
Mgute regretted that most of the reported cases either went unreported or lacked witnesses to ensure smooth judicial process.
He vowed to forward their recommendations to the concerned authorities for appropriate measures and called upon all chiefs and sub-chiefs to help restore dignity in the society.
By Clinton Nyamumbo/Jane Naitore
