You can’t blame the victim, let’s act to end Gender-Based Violence – Musalia Mudavadi

Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) and acting Gender Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to rise to the occasion and end Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Speaking on December 9 in Kakamega County, Mudavadi revealed that Kenya stands united with the global community, raising a resounding call to action against the alarming surge in Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

This rise, he said, “reflects not just a crisis in safety but a deeper breakdown in our societal values and moral fabric.”

“The latest UN Women report paints a stark picture: Africa recorded the highest number of femicides globally in 2022 and led with the largest ‘absolute and relative’ figures of female intimate partner and family-related killings in 2023 an estimated 21,700 victims, equating to 2.9 per 100,000 women,” he noted.

According to him, these numbers represent more than statistics they are a glaring violation of human rights and a reflection of the suffering endured by our mothers, sisters, daughters, and even our boys and young men, who face mental health challenges from cyberbullying, harassment, abuse, and sextortion on social media.

“In response, the Kenyan Government has launched the “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces” initiative at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County. This bold and collaborative campaign seeks to foster nationwide awareness and inspire every Kenyan to rethink conflict resolution and embrace non-violent alternatives in their daily lives,” Mudavadi said.

At the same time, he noted that President William Ruto had issued a call to action for all citizens to work together to create safer homes and communities.

“Let’s unite in the fight against GBV and ensure that our homes become the havens they are meant to be,” Mudavadi said in a statement seen by Mulembe News.

Mudavadi was accompanied by Presidential Women’s Rights Advisor Harriet Chiggai among other top government and county leaders.