Stop domestic violence in kenya

NAIROBI: Domestic violence in Kenya continues to rear its ugly head. The case of Jackline Mwende, a young lady who lost both her arms after her husband hacked them off ostensibly because she could not bear him children, is a sad one that questions the extent to which the Government and relevant authorities have gone in ensuring domestic violence comes to an end.

There is no shortage of laws that guarantee women their rights and dignity as equal citizens of this country, but to what extent have they been effective?

In the case of Mwende and many other women who suffer in silence, the provisions of the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act 2015 must be made to bear. This Act of Parliament provides for the protection and relief of victims of domestic violence, be it the spouse, children or dependant.

Stiffer penalties and punishment must be meted out to men who propagate domestic violence for whatever reasons, especially taking into account that if there are disputes in the family, there are legal and alternative dispute resolution methods of handling such issues. There is no excuse for inflicting grievous harm on a spouse over issues they may have no control over. The need for sensitisation cannot be over-emphasised.