By John Mutiso
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is becoming one of the most serious security concerns raised by communities across the country, with Western and Nyanza counties reporting the sharpest rise.
Speaking at State House during the release of the Jukwaa la Usalama report to President William Ruto, the CS said the findings gathered from town-hall meetings in all 47 counties paint a troubling picture of children and families increasingly exposed to violence.
“From our visits, we have seen a worrying increase in defilement cases in Kisumu, Migori and surrounding counties,” Mr Murkomen said.
“What is even more painful is that many of the alleged offenders are people the children trust.”
The CS said the country must use the ongoing global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence as a reminder that the responsibility to protect vulnerable groups is shared by families, communities and government institutions.
He noted that the discussions held during the forums revealed not only rising cases of child abuse, but also increased domestic violence affecting both women and men.
“We are hearing reports of wife beating, husband beating and many other forms of violence,” he said. “These concerns came directly from citizens, and we must respond with urgency.”
Mr Murkomen also highlighted the enormous pressures facing chiefs and assistant chiefs, who he described as the backbone of Kenya’s local security system. He said many of them operate with limited resources despite being expected to resolve sensitive and sometimes dangerous incidents.
He recalled a moment during the recent national parade where a chief fainted but insisted on completing the exercise, calling it an example of the commitment shown by grassroots administrators.
“These officers do so much, yet many told us their allowances and operational budgets have been reducing every year,” he said.
“They need training, protection and proper compensation, especially when they are injured as they confront criminals or deal with community disputes.”
The CS said the fight against SGBV must go hand in hand with strengthening administrative structures, as chiefs are often the first people families turn to when abuse occurs.
“Our goal is to build safer homes and safer communities,” he said.
“This report gives us a clear starting point.”
