President Kenyatta orders probe into increased GBV cases – KBC

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the National Crime Research Centre to Probe the increased cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country.

The country has witnessed a spike in domestic violence, Gender-Based Violence and sexual offences during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Speaking during his state of the nation address, the President raised his concerns over the escalating GBV cases and violation of children’s rights.

“In that regard, the Centre is further directed to prepare an advisory to our security agencies on remedial action within 30 days from the date hereof and initiate immediate prosecution of all violators,” he said.

As directed by the President, the National Crime Research Centre will look into the escalating cases of gender-based violence, the worrying trend of cases where the girl child has been disempowered and the violation of children’s rights.

President Kenyatta appealed to social institutions, including the religious institutions, to exercise civic responsibility to bring the unfortunate trends to an end.

 “We must always remember that the family is a projection of the State. If the family is under attack, the State is under attack. If the family is weak, the country is weak,” said President Kenyatta.

In May, Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Mercy Mwangangi reported the surge of GBV cases perpetrated by close relatives and guardians of the victims.

Dr Mwangangi said that the Ministry was in constant communication with the Gender Violence Recovery Center (GVRC) as well as the National Council on Administration of Justice over the worrying numbers.

She warned Kenyans against engaging in such vices during the pandemic period.