CJ Koome calls for united front against rising SGBV

Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged a collaborative approach from all sectors of society in combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), citing the growing number of femicide cases as a call to action for every Kenyan.

Addressing a gathering in Kisumu during the launch of the Tribunals Shared Service Centre, Koome expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in SGBV incidents, stressing that it cannot be handled effectively by the Judiciary alone.

She called for a collective effort to restore respect for the vulnerable and eradicate violence against them.

"SGBV cannot be handled conclusively by the Judiciary alone. We must work together to find out what is ailing our society that our people no longer have dignity for the vulnerable," Koome said, highlighting the societal nature of the problem.

While the Judiciary has made strides in addressing SGBV, including the establishment of specialised Gender-Justice courts, Koome emphasised the need for urgent action from all community sectors to stem the tide of violence.

She assured that the Judiciary is fully committed to expediting the trial of offenders.

"SGBV should never be tolerated at any level of our society. We are at the centre of this matter and will make sure that we firmly deal with the perpetrators to offer hope to our society," she added.

The Chief Justice also stressed the importance of the Tribunals Shared Service Centre as a step towards making justice more accessible, noting that it would help streamline the delivery of people-centred justice.

The initiative aims to demystify the justice system and make it more inclusive.

This call for unity comes in the wake of a report by the National Police Service (NPS), which revealed serious gaps in how GBV and femicide cases are handled by law enforcement.

The report highlights delays in filing cases, reluctance among officers to record statements, and inadequate survivor support as some of the barriers to justice.