Nandi Residents Urged Not to Normalize GBV and Femicide
Residents of Nandi County have been called upon to break the silence and actively challenge the normalization of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide within their communities. The appeal was made by County Commissioner Herman Shambi during a public forum focused on the rising cases of violence against women and girls. He expressed deep concern that such acts are often downplayed or settled out of court, allowing perpetrators to escape justice and perpetuating a cycle of violence.
The Commissioner emphasized that GBV and femicide are severe criminal offenses, not private family matters, and must be treated as such by both the community and law enforcement. He urged residents, and especially men, to become allies in the fight by condemning violence, reporting offenders, and promoting respectful relationships. Local administrators, including chiefs and their assistants, were directed to work closely with the police to ensure all reported cases are fully investigated and prosecuted.
The forum also involved partnerships with civil society groups to provide psychosocial support and legal aid to survivors. The public was encouraged to make use of established reporting channels, including toll-free numbers and gender desks at police stations. The collective message was clear: creating a safe environment for women and girls requires a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and a united stand against any form of gender-based violence.