Bomet Residents Urged to Shun GBV and Femicide
Residents of Bomet County have been called upon to take a firm and united stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide. The appeal was made by County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar during a public forum, where he expressed deep concern over the normalization of violence against women and girls in some communities. He stressed that GBV is a serious criminal offense that undermines societal harmony and development.
The Commissioner urged community members, and particularly men, to become champions of change by rejecting all forms of violence and promoting respectful relationships. He emphasized the critical role of community policing committees and village elders in identifying, reporting, and helping to resolve domestic conflicts before they escalate into fatal violence. Femicide, the intentional killing of women, is the most extreme form of GBV, and we must all work together to end it, Dr. Omar stated.
The county security team is working with healthcare providers and civil society groups to strengthen support systems for survivors, including access to medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid. Residents were encouraged to break the culture of silence and use established reporting channels, such as police gender desks and toll-free numbers. The collective message was clear: creating a safe Bomet for everyone requires a fundamental shift in attitudes and a zero-tolerance approach to GBV.