KISUMU, Kenya — The government has raised concern over rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the country, with Nyanza and Western regions emerging as hotspots.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said on Thursday that the trend is “widespread and alarming,” citing Kisumu County where reported cases have surpassed the national average.
“SGBV is very prevalent. It is widespread across the country. Kisumu has surpassed the national percentage at 32 against 36,” Murkomen told reporters in Kisumu during grassroots security consultative meetings under Jukwaa la Usalama.
The CS condemned the brutal assault of a 13-year-old girl in Suba North, Homa Bay County, on September 17, describing it as “repugnant” and vowing swift justice.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has dispatched a specialised unit to support local security teams investigating the case.
“This incident is not isolated. Many other cases go unreported in different parts of the country. The perpetrators are often the same people entrusted to protect children,” Murkomen said.
He linked the prevalence of SGBV to retrogressive practices such as disco matanga (funeral discos), wife inheritance, and social breakdowns in families.
Beyond SGBV, the CS also directed a crackdown on emerging criminal gangs in Western Kenya, the Nairobi metropolitan area, and Isiolo, warning that politicians who hire and fund goons would be pursued.
“This is a civilised government. We will dismantle the gangs, go after their financiers, and hold accountable those who have been hiring them,” he said, adding that crude weapons and illegal groupings would not be tolerated.
On boda boda operations, Murkomen called for tighter regulation to curb misuse for criminal activities, noting that once organised, the sector could be integrated into community security structures.
The CS further raised concern over the spread of illicit alcohol and adulterated ethanol, announcing the formation of a special unit to pursue culprits.
“This matter is about protecting our people. We want every Kenyan child, woman, and family to live in dignity and safety,” he stressed.
