Conspiracy of silence denying GBV victims justice in Kitui county

Partipants march through the streets of Ikutha market   denouncing Gender Based Violence. |MWINGI TIMES

Kanziku Assistant County Commissioner Mercy Mwalegha and Kitui County Chief Officer for Gender, Culture and Social Services Esther Mutemi said GBV offenders don't deserve an iota of mercy as the full force of the law should be applied. This is because the violators leave life-long emotional and physical scars on their victims. It is such trauma that should be punished and not be left to kangaroo courts where elders were said to conspire with perpetrators for as little as chicken or cash handouts. This encourages the GBV perpetrators to keep abusing their victims unabated.

"It is time we spoke out openly against GBV. If your child has been abused, do not sweep it under the carpet. Even if the culprit is the father, speak out so that action and justice can be served", Chief Officer Mutemi said.

Kitui county is constructing a GBV rescue centre in Ikutha as well as deploying gender champions at the grassroots level to ensure the vice is stopped.

Ikutha sub county police commander Raphael Mutiso said cases of GBV were on the rise in the region. They included incidents of husbands killing their wives as well as reported rape cases involving the youth and women. "Despite some relatives seeking out-of-court settlements, we have stood firm and ensured that all cases proceed to court so that justice is served, said police commander Mutiso.