Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen Friday expressed concern about the rise of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases across the country.
He said it was unfortunate that the cases of rape and defilement are still being reported despite enhanced security measures.
“GBV remains a big challenge, especially in this region(Rift Valley), especially in areas where there are tea plantations. The security teams and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have done a good job to weed out the perpetrators, but more needs to be done,” he said.
He lauded the seamless coordination between the National Police Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the judiciary in the successful prosecution of the cases in Bomet County.
“The severity of the bail terms and the seriousness with which the Judiciary takes the sexual offences cases is laudable. The coordination between the three institutions ensures there is adequate enforcement,” said the CS.
“We have asked the security team to upscale this process, cognisant of the fact that these issues are concealed because most of the perpetrators are family members,” he said.
According to the CS, the community tries to use Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms to deal with the matters, which is obstructing justice.
He urged the public to collaborate with the police, chiefs, and assistant chiefs.
“I have given instructions on the issue of sensitisation, which will be continued as a top priority in the counties,” he added.
The CS also warned cyber criminals, saying it was rampant in Bomet and Narok counties because of a group known as ‘Mulot boys’.
“These fraudulent activities have reduced, and those scamming have been apprehended and charged in court. We have made strides from where we were two years ago, and now the public is aware of fraudulent characters out to scam people, especially women.”
Through NGAOs, local, and national media, the CS said the public has been sensitized not to fall prey.
Murkomen also lauded police officers’ performance at the ongoing African Nations Championships (CHAN).
“I am very proud that the NPS has two teams in the Kenya Premier League and they have contributed to the national team ( Harambee Stars) playing in CHAN,” said the CS in Bomet during the 26th Jukwaa La Usalama tour.
Murkomen, who congratulated the national team for a sterling performance against Angola on Thursday night, said the officers contribute to the discipline and resilience of the national team.
“The AP of Bomet and the Kenya Police Team are the champions. So if you see us going to Kasarani, cheering our national team, know that the NPS has contributed about five of our officers,” said the CS.
He continued: “If you watched the fighting spirit yesterday (Thursday, 7th August), it came from the resilience of the NPS.”
He said that the NPS should not only be cited when it comes to the issue of bribery and corruption but for other positive things.
“The NPS has excelled in sports in terms of athletes and football. World record holders are police officers,” said the CS.
He said the AP Bomet Team will be inspired by the national performance.
He also promised to support with the construction of the stadium.
The CS is the patron of the Bomet-based team.
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