NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised the alarm over a surge in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases in parts of Western Kenya and the Nyanza region, warning that incidents are climbing even as the world marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking on Tuesday during the presentation of the Jukwaa la Usalama report to President William Ruto, Murkomen said the trend is particularly worrying in Kisumu and Migori counties, where authorities are recording increasing cases of defilement.
“What is most disturbing is that many of these cases involve people who are supposed to protect these children,” he said, calling for urgent and practical interventions to safeguard vulnerable groups.
Murkomen added that the 16-day global campaign should remind the country that the fight against SGBV demands continuous vigilance, noting that violence within households remains widespread.
“We have wife beatings, husband beatings, and all these forms of violence. We want to upscale the fight, especially during this period when the whole world is reflecting on ending gender-based violence,” he said.
Push for Better Welfare for Chiefs
The Interior CS also used the platform to advocate for improved training, protection and welfare for chiefs, describing them as the frontline defenders of community safety.
“For many years, chiefs have been asking for training, and we kept telling them to wait. Yesterday you saw them marching in the parade. They are waiting to hear from you on what next,” he told President Ruto.
Murkomen narrated an incident from the December 1 parade in which a chief collapsed but refused to leave for treatment, insisting on returning to complete the exercise — a move he said demonstrated their dedication.
He urged the government to address financial constraints affecting the administrative officers, noting that their Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE) allocations have been shrinking.
“They told me their allocations have been reducing every year. Just say one word, and their hearts will be at rest,” said Murkomen.
Call for Better Protection for Chiefs on the Ground
The CS also appealed for enhanced protection and compensation for chiefs who frequently confront dangerous situations while enforcing the law.
“They fight alcoholism, and sometimes they are beaten by goons as they confront the problem. We need to improve compensation for officers injured in the line of duty,” he said.
Citing a recent incident in Makueni where a chief stumbled upon suspicious activities while working with local enforcement teams, Murkomen stressed the need to empower administrative officers with resources and security to act effectively.
He added that strengthening local administration and tackling gender-based violence must progress together, saying the two are inseparable in efforts to build safer communities.
