Devolution Ministry, security organs in joint effort to curb gender based violence

Nairobi, Kenya: The Ministry of Devolution has unveiled a move aimed at addressing gender based violence following the rising cases of harassment on women.

The ministry, in a joint effort with the Director of Public Prosecution, Inspector General Of Police, Director General of the National Youth Service, the director of Criminal Investigation Directorate, chairperson of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation and the Matatu Owners Association Friday resolved to establish centres to address the issue.

In a statement, the ministry said that officers will be trained and sensitised to handle the cases.

The move follows recent spate of attacks on women, including stripping, rape, Female Genital Mutilation, in different parts of the country.

 A special squad has already been formed to track the men who have stripped women in Nairobi; so far several arrests have been made and some of the suspects charged in court.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru Friday also warned that those found circulating, through social media, pictures and videos of the heinous acts will be prosecuted.

“The Kenya Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Director of Public Prosecution shall put in place very clear prevention and response mechanisms that will ensure that all women and girls and indeed all Kenyans are protected from any form of violence, and to take swift and stern action to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of these violations including those who post these henious violations on social media,” read the statement.

“We commit to take stern action against the perpetrators of FGM, by strengthening knowledge within the community and the enforcement of the law. Girls and women who are subjected to these violations should be equipped with information on where to go when faced with the risk and should be assured that violations will not go unpunished.”

The Matatu Owners Association on its part has promised to ensure discipline among its staff and treat all people with respect.