Members of Parliament have called for a united, multi-agency approach anchored in grassroots and community involvement to address the alarming surge in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the country.
The urgent appeal was made during a heated session in the National Assembly following a report by the Chairperson of the Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, in response to a question by Kericho Woman Representative Hon. Beatrice Kemei regarding the state of femicide and GBV in Kericho County.
Hon. Tongoyo revealed that between April and July 2025 alone, Kericho recorded two cases of femicide, nine rapes, three gang rapes, two sexual assaults, and seventy-seven cases of child defilement — totaling 93 GBV-related cases in just three months.
“This is a serious problem in our society. In less than 10 months, Kericho alone has recorded over 100 GBV cases. These numbers are not unique to Kericho; they can be replicated across many counties,” Tongoyo said, stressing the need for coordinated action beyond the local level.
The figures stirred concern among legislators, with Hon. Kemei calling for solidarity from male MPs in the fight against GBV, warning that without joint commitment, progress would be limited.
“If we do not get support from our male counterparts, we will not go far in this fight. SGBV affects everyone in one way or another,” she said, while blaming delayed justice processes and the laxity of police and authorities for the rise in reported cases.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, condemned GBV perpetrators in the strongest terms and called for stiffer penalties.
“Men who prey on women and children are cowards. Those who target children are beasts who should not be allowed in society. If you have a liking for girls in uniform, buy your wife the uniform and admire her wearing it — leave our children alone,” he said, urging the House to introduce harsher legislation against GBV offenders, many of whom he claimed “get away with a mere slap on the wrist.”
Teso South MP, Hon. Mary Emaase, advocated for increased national funding for GBV awareness and prevention campaigns, noting that current allocations only support counties represented by women MPs, leaving others underserved.
Kirinyaga MP, Hon. Njeri Maina, called for a multi-agency strategy that includes the establishment of SGBV courts in all magistrates’ courts and active efforts to reform law enforcement’s response to such cases.
“While we appreciate the gains we have made with regard to women’s participation in society, there is still much more to be done to ensure that our women and girls are protected,” she said.
Samburu West MP, Hon. Lesuuda Naisula, echoed the call, emphasizing the importance of grassroots sensitization and community involvement.
“It must be a collective responsibility for everyone in society to protect women and girls,” Lesuuda stated.
Kilifi North MP, Hon. Owen Baya, added that men must take a proactive role in the fight, saying, “As men, we must dignify ourselves and take a firm stand to protect our women and children.”
The National Assembly now appears poised to push for policy, legislative, and structural reforms to combat GBV, with MPs rallying behind a more inclusive, nationwide effort involving all levels of society.
