By Arnold Ageta
Nyamira County MP Jerusha Momanyi has today warned that stern action will be taken against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) offenders.
Speaking at Miriri, where she was empowering bodaboda operators in the area, Ms. Momanyi issued a strong warning against those planning to carry out Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling it an act of SGBV against young girls.
“I know there are women here who are not aware that FGM was outlawed in Kenya, and it is illegal to subject girls to that old-fashioned cultural practice,” she said. “Anyone who will be found participating will be arrested and jailed for the trauma they will cause to their daughters.”
Ms. Momanyi also warned men against beating their wives, stressing that this amounts to gender-based violence and is punishable by a jail term. She stated that anyone involved in GBV will face the full force of the law to safeguard the lives of the vulnerable in society.
“Even husbands are nowadays subjected to SGBV by their wives and, therefore, I also warn wives who are fond of beating their husbands and pretending that they are the victims,” she said. “If you are assaulting your husband, you are a criminal who must be charged in a court of law. Life must be respected.”
SGBV in Kenya: An Endemic Problem
In Kenya, national data on the prevalence of SGBV presents a grim picture, with the issue having attained endemic proportions.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 in 3 women is at risk of SGBV in Kenya, while 18% of young boys are also at risk.
Data from the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) indicates that the female population is most affected, with 56% of women and 36% of girls being reported cases. One in three Kenyan females has experienced an episode of sexual violence before turning age 18.
Between 39% and 47% of Kenyan women experience GBV in their lifetime—among the highest rates in the world.
GVRC data also shows that 1 in 5 Kenyan males has experienced an episode of sexual violence before turning age 18.
Furthermore, 38% of ever-married women have experienced physical violence compared to 9% of ever-married men. 14% of ever-married women have experienced sexual violence compared to 4% of ever-married men. In total, 41% of ever-married women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner, compared to 11% of ever-married men.
Ms. Momanyi, who is also aspiring to contest the Nyamira County gubernatorial position, noted that SGBV is pushing men to depression that can lead to suicide.
Specialized Courts and Community Call to Action
To address this deeply rooted issue, the Judiciary established specialized SGBV Courts. These courts are uniquely designed to handle the delicate nature of SGBV-related cases, a much-needed departure from the traditional approach which has often led to the re-traumatization of victims. They embody a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes the victims’ safety, dignity, and privacy.
Ms. Momanyi asked the people to be tolerant and patient with each other to curb the rising cases of SGBV, not only in the Gusii region but in the country as a whole.
The Nyamira Women Rep concluded her visit by presenting a cheque of KSh. 147,000 to the bodaboda association in Miriri to boost and encourage table banking within the industry in the area.
