By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Leaders have called for a collective responsibility in the war against femicide and GBV in the country. Led by PS Ann Wang’ombe and PS Bonface Makokha while in Budokomi area in Busia County during the burial of Susan Nambire, who was murdered by her husband in Nairobi, they have said failure in collective interventions will leave women and girls more vulnerable.
The principal Secretary for State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Ann Wang’ombe said the government is determined to end GBV and called for everyone to be part of the fight.
“We have to change the narrative of the increased GBV cases in Busia County. I want all youth to be our ambassadors to help protect our girls and women. Let’s decide today as youth that we are not going to harm our girls and wives. We are killing our vision and future.”
The PS called for the shift from response to prevention as a way to ensure there is no harm to the lives of people.
“We cannot continue to bury our young girls. Let the parents take a part in the life of their children. Let’s ensure that before we allow them to marry, they are mature enough to make better decisions. If you see a problem, you can report to our help line which is 1195 so that you can be assisted. Make use of the police too so that through these channels we can curb this issue” she said
Principal Secretary for State Department of Economic and Planning Bonface Makokha asked men to stand up to defend the rights of women to end domestic violence and GBV.
“As men we need to start a movement in Busia called “He For She” so that we can stand there for our mothers, women and girls and ensure that this problem comes to an end. We cannot continue to stay in such situations. As the government, we will not allow these things to continue and if you are the one involving, we will come for you and ensure you face the full force of the law” he said
Busia women rep Catherine Omanya called on all men to help in empowering women. She also asked the judicial system to ensure there is no compromise in cases involving women killed.
“If you are a man with a woman, be a pillar of empowerment to her. Where are our aunts, uncles and grandparents to help us with guidance and morals so that we stop beating and killing our women? Kindly wake up! There is no shame in a marriage that is not working. If things are not working, get out before you die.”
She asked the youth to ensure they mature before they get married. According to her, this will help them in having a candid discussion when a problem arises and be able to solve it in an amicable way.
Leah Sankaire, Women rep Kajiado county said it is time for everyone to wake up and defend women. She also encouraged an alternative way of solving problems in marriage when they arise other than ending someone’s life.
“Sunan was a visionary woman, but today we are burying her leaving a 1 year old child. This is so disheartening. As women leaders, we are tired of femicide and GBV and that’s why we are saying that if you see your marriage is hitting the rock, better leave in peace than in pieces.”
She asked the society to embrace the empowerment of women stating that this has remained the problem among men in the society.
“Women today have been empowered and are able to do great things. This has been seen as competition to men in the society. Let’s give them a chance to help us and not to consider them as our competitors. Any time you feel threatened in your marriage, walk out to avoid being brought in a coffin.” She said
Busia county deputy governor Arthur Odero said the county has established a rescue centre that will ensure the victims get assistance as the law process takes its course.
“We must protect our family too, if there is a problem in your marriage, try to solve it so that life can move on. If there is abuse in that marriage, we are telling you to move out. It is a duty of all of us to protect women. Let’s be tolerant, lets involve the relatives and family members in finding solutions to our problems” he said
The family of the deceased called for justice as they asked the government to ensure the suspect has faced the full force of the law.
