Illiteracy, poverty, culture fuel gender violence in West Pokot

Illiteracy, poverty, and deeply ingrained cultural beliefs have been identified as key contributors to gender-based violence (GBV) in West Pokot County.

This came to the fore during a public forum held at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria by the Gender-Based Violence Technical Working Group.

During the session, government officials, civil society representatives, educators, local administrators, and residents shared views to help shape a county-wide GBV policy.

West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif raised concerns regarding informal justice systems.

“Kangaroo courts are rampant, and even some chiefs and police officers are under investigation for interfering with justice,” he stated.

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Harleen Jabbal, a psychologist and leader of the technical working group, highlighted the alarming rates of child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

“These practices continue to fuel GBV in the country. All voices here will be noted, and all forms of GBV, including femicide, will be addressed in the final report,” she said.

Deputy Governor Robert Komolle acknowledged that high rates of poverty and illiteracy are exacerbating the situation.

“Currently, GBV stands at 34 per cent in West Pokot. The scramble for resources, poverty, and certain beliefs leads people to think that beating a woman is not a violation,” he remarked.

He also pointed out that many victims cannot afford to pursue their cases through the justice system.

“Bribery of police officers often results in the release of culprits. We must address this,” he emphasized.

Komolle stressed the county’s commitment to addressing poverty through policies and women empowerment initiatives, such as the Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) model.

During the event, Philomena Chenangat, a member of the GBV Technical Working Group, emphasized that under-reporting remains a significant barrier to justice.

“The biggest issue we face with the support court is under-reporting. Even if battering is normalized here, victims rarely speak out. Accessing justice is expensive and slow, especially for ordinary citizens.” She said.

Chenangat further lamented the lack of forensic services within the county.

“We don’t have a government chemist here. Samples must be sent to Kisumu for DNA and other tests, delaying justice. We need to explore ways to expedite this process,” she added. 

Rosana Kashor, a GBV victim, stated that corruption at police stations denies women justice. “You have to bribe the police to arrest someone who raped you. It’s humiliating,” she expressed.

Ann Samikwa shared her painful experience of domestic violence.

“I was battered for ten years. Even now, I have deep cuts on my head. In our community, men believe beating a woman is their right. Girls are married off young, and FGM is seen as normal. That is GBV,” she said.

Ephi Mugalo, principal of Tipet Girls Secondary School, noted that many of her students are survivors of early marriage and FGM.

“Some girls hide their pain because they fear stigma. Others never return to school because they’re taken across the border into Uganda,” she shared.

The GBV Technical Committee pledged to document all feedback from the forum and work with stakeholders to enhance protection mechanisms, access to justice, and public education on gender rights.