Residents of Bungoma County, identified as a hot spot for gender-based violence (GBV), are urging the government to establish a safe rescue center for victims.
During their submission to the Nancy Barasa-led task force on femicide and GBV, Dorothy Adongo, representing End Femicide Kenya’s Bungoma chapter, highlighted the vulnerability of many victims who have nowhere to seek solace. Adongo emphasized the long-standing dispute over operationalizing the GBV rescue center at Ndengelwa, urging the government to expedite a solution to help victims. She also noted that femicide cases have not been taken seriously and advocated for a specific court to handle them, thereby accelerating justice for victims’ families.
Amina Subuka, a member of the task force, echoed these sentiments, calling on stakeholders to unite in the fight against GBV. She lamented the agonizing situations women, in particular, endure.
Bungoma County Deputy Governor Jenniffer Mbatiany acknowledged the task force’s efforts to gather public input, assuring them of the government’s ongoing commitment to address and avert the situation.
Dr. Linah Kilimo, also a member of the task force, reported that issues such as child labor, female genital mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies, and wife beating have been recorded in the county, emphasizing the need to curb them. She reiterated the government’s dedication to tackling GBV issues.
