Protesters in Kitale Town on Tuesday during a peaceful demonstration in honour of GBV victims. /Photo, Michael/
As the country marks the last day of 16 days of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Activism, civil society groups have called upon the county government of Trans Nzoia to implement the gender based violence policies.
Flagging of the walk, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, said the fight against GBV is core to government’s agenda as the police service wants to empower the gender based desk, which has been dormant.
‘We are going to take the issues raised in the memo serious, as a county, we want to bring the cases to nil. Particularly, we want to empower the gender-based desk, they have been there, but have not meet the expectation of their service,” Oyagi said.
He further said the government aims to wipe out the Kangaroo courts, which have been a major challenge to victims attaining justice.
In an interview with the media, Anne Mutungi, founder Community African Network Action (CANA) the only GBV rescue center in Trans Nzoia, said there is a lot to be done in rural counties to end GBV.
“A lot has to be done, collective efforts from government, the society and civil society groups, will help to end cases of GBV,” she stated.
The walk comes days after a KMTC student, Benedict Kiptoo was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend at their home in Kibomet,
Confirming to the protesters, Kitale Central Police Gender Based Desk officer Janet Ambani said, the suspect is still on the run, as police intensify the search of the lady identified as “Nancy” on Meta.
“We are trailing the suspect who ended Kiptoo’s life. We urge the public to provide any information and those communicating with her to inform our officers. But I want to assure you the suspect will be brought to book,” she confirmed.
Immaculate Shamala, a human rights activists, while presenting the CSOs memo to the clerk of the County Assembly, urged implementation of the GBV policy, and a budget for civic education, which will help educate the public on issues of gender based violence.
The Civil Society Organization (CSO) from various groups decried of lack of accountability in handling GBV issues, and less focus on empowerment of the boy-child; and urged inclusion of men in the fight against GBV, as they are victims too.
