National Assembly: Kericho County recorded 77 defilement cases in two months

BY ERIC ABUGA

Between the months of April and July alone, Kericho County recorded two cases of femicide, nine cases of rape, three cases of gang rape, two cases of sexual assault, and 77 cases of child defilement.

The revelation scame following a debate sparked by a response from the Chairperson of the National Assembly's Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Gabriel Tongoyo, to a question raised by Kericho Woman Representative, Beatrice Kemei, on the state of femicide and GBV in Kericho County.

MPs have have since strongly condemned the alarming rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the country.

The statistics triggered a debate in the House with Kemei appealed to her male counterparts to support women legislators in addressing GBV in the country.

“This is a serious problem in our society. In less than 10 months, Kericho alone has recorded over 100 GBV cases. These numbers are not unique to Kericho; they can be replicated in many other counties,” said Tongoyo.

She further criticized the slow pace of justice, citing prolonged court cases and laxity by police and other authorities as key factors fueling the rise in cases.

“If we do not get support from our male counterparts, we will not go far in this fight. SGBV affects everyone in one way or another."

Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, described the numbers as “alarming” and condemned the perpetrators in strong terms.

“Men who prey on women and children are cowards. Those who target children are beasts who should not be allowed in society. If you have a liking for girls in uniform, buy your wife the uniform and admire her wearing it, leave our children alone."

Speaker Wetang’ula urged the Legislators to develop laws imposing harsher penalties on GBV offenders, citing that offenders often “get away with a mere slap on the wrist”, noting that the menace must be eradicated completely.

Teso South MP, Mary Emaase, called for increased funding for advocacy purposes in order to fully support the fight against GBV, noting that current allocations only benefit counties with women representatives.

Kirinyaga MP, Njeri Maina, emphasized the need for a multi-agency approach, highlighting the importance of establishing SGBV courts in every magistrate’s court and addressing police complacency.

“While we appreciate the gains we have made with regard to women's participation in society, there is still much more to be done to ensure that our women and girls are protected.” She noted.

Samburu West MP, Lesuuda Naisula, while echoing Hon. Njeri’s sentiments on the need for a multi-agency approach, agitated for grassroots sensitization and community involvement in the fight.

“It must be a collective responsibility for everyone in society to protect women and girls,” she said.

Kilifi North MP,Owen Baya, added, “As men, we must dignify ourselves and take a firm stand to protect our women and children.”