Gender Based Violence(GBV) is a daily reality for women and girls across the country and many cases are not reported to authorities while few women get justice or receive medical care.
Data from the Ministry of Public Service and Gender indicates that in 2020, there were 5,009 GBV cases reported up from 1,411 the previous years.
The restrictions imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic are likely to make it harder for survivors to report abuse and seek help and for service providers to respond efficiently.
Sexual and other forms of violence against women have devastating consequences including injuries and serious physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health problems, including sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unplanned pregnancies.
On Tuesday, Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) leader Raila Odinga condemned the increase in gender based violence, most cases of spouses killing one another in domestic fights.
In a tweet on his handle he called for an urgent national discussion on GBV, adding that the abnormality of the murders cannot be allowed to become the norm.
He added that it is unfortunate that after winning their partner’s heart, instead of going on to cherish and love them, some suddenly turn physical, and at times horrifically end up killing them.
“Too many lives are being lost on an almost daily basis going by media reports. This scourge must come to an end. The abnormality of these murders cannot become the normal No! If you cannot reconcile, then, leave and let live. We need an urgent candid discussion on GBV as a Nation..,” he tweeted.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu also condemned the increase in killings of women across the country, saying the recent murder of Christine Nyokabi in Kasarani adds to the many cases over the last two years which end up being unresolved.
“I am aware that there are many other cases of women who have been murdered in our villages and towns but the cases go unreported,” she said.
According to Ngilu, women are being killed at the prime of their life, with young children to look after.
She said it is a national crisis which must be addressed by all leaders, adding that there is need for national conversation on the crisis so that urgent measures are taken.
Additionally, the Ministry of Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia raised an alarm over cases of GBV cases in the country.
According to the CS, between January and March 2021, the ministry recorded 877 cases of gender based violence, with a high prevalence in Nairobi, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nakuru and Kiambu counties.
“As Government, we recognise that we cannot win the fight against GBV single handedly therefore, we have to synergise efforts,” read the tweet.
She added that Kenyans must all stand up against GBV through reporting, supporting victims and must also discourage harmful and retrogressive cultural beliefs.
“I call on all Kenyans to be tolerant and to find appropriate ways of solving differences rather than resorting to violence,” she said.