Rights groups demand action to end GBV

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) came to an end today, gender activists and survivors of GBV issued a passionate plea to the government to ensure perpetrators face prosecution and that justice is delivered to survivors.

In Nairobi, Amnesty International Kenya executive director Irungu Houghton and scores of activists were arrested for participating in the anti-femicide march.

This after police teargassed protestors marching through the Central Business District (CBD) in a bid to disperse them.

The protest was to raise awareness on the create raise awareness on the increasing cases of femicide and Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country as the 16 days of activism came to an end. 

The campaign which runs annually from November 25 to December 10, highlights the serious impacts of gender-based violence.

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The protestors had began their march at Jeevanjee Gardens and wanted to present their petitions to several government institutions among them at the Supreme Court, police headquarters, and Office of the President along Harambee Avenue.

The petitions call for speedy arrest and end to the killings. However, they frustrated by police officers who kept teargassing them.

Irungu and the other protestors were seized in the ensuing commotion. They were taken to Central Police Station where they were detained. By the time of going to press, it was not clear whether they will be released.

Central Sub County Police Commander Doris Kemey. An officer who is not authorised to talk to the media claimed the organisers did not notify police of their intention to hold the protest march.

"The government is doing little to end these heinous acts. Its the work of the government to protect us even if the people killing us do so because we are prostitutes," said Lilian Kerubo, one of the activists.

In the recent past, a number of women among them students have been killed with few arrests made.

In a joint statement by several organisations led by Amnesty International, Law Society of Kenya, Human is my ID Alliance and the End Femicide KE movement condemned the police action and called for immediate release of all those arrested.

They said that the protestors were arrested on International Human Rights Day, which according to them was a day dedicated for upholding the dignity of freedom and rights of all people.

"This protest was a courageous stand against the killing of women, a demand for urgency in investigating these murders and a call for perpetrators to be held accountable," read part of the statement.

The civil society faulted the police for violently responding and making unwarranted arrests, and called on the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to initiate an independent investigation into police action.

On GBV victims, the rights groups called on relevant authorities to expedite investigations into femicide cases and ensure justice for them alongside their families.

In Nyeri, voices from various sectors joined together, united by a shared urgency to combat what has been described as a national crisis.

According to Rhoda Wairimu, a GBV survivor who lost her two arms after her husband tried to take her life following a domestic quarrel, the physical and emotional toll of gender-based violence is devastating. 

"My husband's attack left me without my arms, but the trauma has taken an even greater toll. I live each day struggling to regain my independence and sense of self-worth. No one should have to endure such violence and loss," she said.

She added that despite her husband being sentenced to life imprisonment, the government should ensure cases are fast-tracked and handled with the gravity they deserve.

"Until this attack happened, we lived together with my husband for ten years without any problem, but when I confronted him that I could walk out of the marriage, he started threatening me. We need more than words. We need concrete actions, legal reforms, and systems that ensure no one goes unheard or unprotected," she said.

Another survivor, Agnes Muthoni, recounted her experience of domestic abuse.

"My partner's fists became my reality for years. The physical bruises may have healed, but the emotional trauma remains. I lost my sense of safety, my confidence, and even my sense of self," she said.

According to Muthoni, survivors of gender-based violence yearn for meaningful action to prevent such horrific acts from happening to others. 

"We call for increased education and awareness, stronger laws and enforcement, and more comprehensive support services for victims. We all ultimately want a world where no one has to experience the pain and trauma of gender-based violence," she stated.

Njeri Mwangi, a gender activist, said that GBV requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, policy reform, and a cultural shift that prioritizes respect, consent, and the safety of all individuals.

"The courage of these survivors is truly inspiring, their willingness to share their stories is a powerful step towards dismantling the silence and stigma that too often surrounds gender-based violence. We must listen, we must act, and we must create a world where no one has to endure such trauma," she said.

According to Ann Wambui Wacheke, an anti-GBV activist, a strategic approach is needed to address gender-based violence. This includes providing accessible counseling, shelter, and financial assistance for survivors. Additionally, raising awareness in communities to prevent GBV and challenge cultural norms that enable it.

"To effectively combat gender-based violence, we need a multifaceted approach that includes providing accessible support services like counseling, safe housing, and financial assistance for survivors, while also raising awareness within communities to prevent GBV and challenge the cultural norms that enable it," she said.

Nyeri Deputy County Commissioner Ngunyi Maina expressed concern that there has been a rise in GBV cases in the county and urged all victims to take a bold step of reporting to authorities.

"We have lost so many of our girls, and this must now come to an end. Anyone who is a victim should report to the authorities so that investigations and prosecution can take place, ensuring justice is served," he said.

Meanwhile, in Kapsabet, a woman is lucky to be alive after she was attacked by her husband following a disagreement recently.

Amida Jepkorir who has been admitted at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital following the attack that happened four days ago. She claims she was brutally assaulted by her husband at Kombe village in Nandi County.

“I came back home on Thursday afternoon and I was left with only Sh100 after sending Sh200 to my mother. My husband got annoyed, he wanted money to buy alcohol and food for himself,” she explained.

Kapsabet County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Shadrack Tanui confirmed that Jepkorir is out of danger and has been discharged to continue with medication at home.

“Assault is a criminal act and we have directed her with appropriate documents to record a statement with the police that will lead to the arrest of the suspect,” said Tanui.

Collins Kweyu, Amos Kiarie and Edward Kosut