Members of the public have been urged to speak out and report any signs of gender based violence(GBV).
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe says this will go a long way in helping bring an end to all forms of GBV in society.
Speaking at a Nakuru Health Facility where a survivor of Gender Based Violence Ms Wanjiku is nursing wounds after she was assaulted by her boyfriend, PS Wang’ombe was categorical that the Government will not relent in ensuring Justice for Ms Wanjiku.
She was however quick to point out that an end to GBV calls for collective responsibility from all stakeholders in society.
According to her, Government has embarked on advocacy that will be doe through partnership with other stakeholders including the Media.
The PS noted that there are signs of GBV that can be detected in families, community, and society at large that should be reported towards helping avert GBV cases.
It is in this line that she challenged women and girls to remain vigilant and report any signs of Gender Based Violence.
“We are working very closely with the County governments to ensure that our girls and women are safe. We are going to do the advocacy through media. But we are saying that even as Government and Church do their part, we all as members of the public have a role towards ending GBV,” she stated.
This, even as the PS revealed that she has instructed all the Gender officers across the country to submit statistics on matters Gender Based Violence.
She noted that the statistics will go a long way in ensuring proper measures of addressing GBV cases per County.
“We are calling upon each and every one of us, the Civil society, religious leaders and the families to step in and work towards ending the GBV,” she stated.
She announced that the Government will step in to take care of Ms Wanjiku’s children needs as well as cater for her medical bills.
A move that was welcomed by members of the Civil Society in Nakuru and Law Society of Kenya with calls for justice for Ms Wanjiku.
Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Sector Secretary Ms Asumpta Wangui welcomed the steps taken by Government towards a collaborative fight against GBV.
She was quick to note that cases of GBV affect everyone in society hence the need for concerted effort in ending the same.
“As Nakuru women we are grateful and we hope that justice shall be served for Ms Wanjiku,” she stated.
Ms Wanjiku is reported to have been assaulted by her boyfriend Elias Njeru leaving her with severe stab wounds and partially severed fingers.
The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Olive area of Nakuru City following a disagreement between the duo.
The two, both directors of the company, were reportedly considering dissolving the business but failed to reach an agreement, which led to a heated dispute.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati says they are still gathering more information about the suspect whom he says is a pastor based in Nairobi but occasionally comes to Nakuru.
“We are still gathering more information about him. This will be in our subsequent briefings,” he stated.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.