Machakos County is grappling with a disturbing spike in gender-based violence (GBV), with chilling accounts emerging from survivors as authorities face mounting criticism over laxity and inaction.
One survivor shocked attendees at a public forum in Mwala on Thursday with her harrowing testimony:
“My husband just woke up one morning and shot me in the arm. He then took me to the hospital. I was young and naive—I forgave him and we got back together,” she revealed. However, the abuse did not end. After getting pregnant, a disagreement forced her to move back in with her parents.
“When I got a job opportunity in Saudi Arabia, he came and took my child and disappeared.”
Her voice echoed that of another well-known survivor, Jackline Mwende, whose brutal attack by her husband nine years ago shocked the nation. Mwende, whose hands were severed in a domestic assault, urged victims not to suffer in silence.
“Report early—don’t wait until it’s too late,” she said.
Officials are now raising the alarm over a worrying rise in unreported GBV cases across the region. Mwala Sub-county Children’s Officer Edward Nyabala revealed that the area has witnessed a significant surge in such cases, especially sexual violence against minors.
“Many victims don’t know where to report. Stigma and silence are fueling the problem. Teenage pregnancies are rising because of this,” Nyabala stated, pleading with victims to come forward.
Tensions have escalated following a recent rape incident involving a Form Three girl, who was sexually assaulted by two men while on her way to school.
Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene Kasimbi expressed outrage, revealing that despite the public outcry, no arrests have been made.
“This is unacceptable. The police are dragging their feet while a child’s life has been ruined. We demand justice now!” she declared.
As survivors speak out and leaders raise the alarm, the pressure is mounting on law enforcement to act swiftly. Activists say unless urgent measures are taken, the county could face a full-blown GBV epidemic—with more lives left in ruins.
