PS Wang'ombe rallies local administrators in the fight against GBV
“We must promote harmony in families. It’s important to remember that GBV affects men as well, manifesting through both physical and emotional abuse by women,” she added.
Anne Wang’ombe, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action, has called on national government administrators to take a frontline role in combating gender-based violence (GBV) across the country.
During a courtesy visit to the Kisii County Commissioner’s office, PS Wang’ombe emphasized that local administrators are well-positioned to address domestic violence at the grassroots level, given their deep understanding of community dynamics and the causes of such incidents.
"Our local leaders, particularly those involved in Nyumba Kumi initiatives, are aware of the hotspots where GBV is prevalent. They can escalate this data to inform national policy and strategic interventions," she stated.
Ms. Wang’ombe condemned all forms of violence directed at women and girls, highlighting that such acts are not only violations of fundamental rights but also hinder the victims' social development and well-being.
She expressed concern over the rising GBV cases in Kisii County, attributing some of them to harmful cultural traditions.
The PS noted that Kisii remains one of the counties where female genital mutilation (FGM) is still practiced, leading to severe and lasting harm to girls.
She appealed to residents to abandon such outdated customs and focus on safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and girls in their communities.
In her address, Wang’ombe also stressed the importance of synergy between government agencies and development partners in tackling GBV.
She underscored the pivotal role of religious leaders in mediating family disputes, advocating for their inclusion in efforts to resolve domestic conflicts.
“We must promote harmony in families. It’s important to remember that GBV affects men as well, manifesting through both physical and emotional abuse by women,” she added.
Touching on the nationwide concern over femicide, PS Wang’ombe urged the public to participate in upcoming forums intended to gather views on GBV and femicide.
These consultations are part of a broader initiative launched in January 2025, when President William Ruto appointed a 42-member taskforce chaired by former Chief Justice Nancy Baraza.
The team is collecting public input to propose stronger institutional, legal, and policy frameworks to address these growing issues.