BOMET, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has voiced concern over the rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases across the country, warning that despite improved policing, incidents of rape and defilement remain a persistent threat.
Speaking in Bomet County on Friday, Murkomen said GBV was particularly prevalent in tea-growing regions of the Rift Valley, where many incidents remain concealed because perpetrators are often family members.
“The security teams and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have done a good job to weed out perpetrators, but more needs to be done,” he said.
The CS praised the strong coordination between the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Judiciary, noting the severity of bail terms and the seriousness with which sexual offences are prosecuted.
Murkomen, however, cautioned against the use of informal conflict resolution mechanisms in such cases, saying they obstruct justice for survivors.
He directed chiefs and assistant chiefs to intensify community sensitization campaigns and urged the public to report incidents promptly.
“Sensitisation will remain a top priority in the counties. We need everyone to work with the police to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice,” he added.
Warning to Cyber Fraudsters
Murkomen also issued a stern warning to cyber criminals in Bomet and Narok counties linked to the infamous “Mulot Boys” syndicate, which has been accused of defrauding victims—particularly women—through mobile money scams.
He said arrests and prosecutions had significantly reduced such activities over the past two years, crediting public awareness campaigns by administrators and the media.
“We have made strides, and the public is now aware of fraudulent characters out to scam them. Many have been arrested and charged in court,” the CS said.
