National Government Administration Officers in Bomet have issued a firm call to abolish the cultural practice of Kipkaa, a traditional method used to privately settle cases of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV).
The officials say the practice continues to deny victims—especially children—the justice they deserve while protecting perpetrators from legal accountability.
Speaking during the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Bomet Central, Sub-County Police Commander Isaac Kimwele condemned the persistent use of the traditional system to resolve sexual assault cases.
“I want to strongly condemn the issue of solving sexual violations among our children traditionally in what we call Kipkaa, yet we have laws that guide us on how to legally handle such cases,” Kimwele said.
He expressed concern that many GBV cases in the county are still quietly settled between families, where suspects pay small fines to evade prosecution. Kimwele warned that such arrangements not only undermine justice but also inflict lasting trauma on survivors.
“When your child is sexually violated, there is no amount of money that can compensate for it. One day your child will learn that you engaged in Kipkaa to silence their case, and let me tell you, it will not be good for you,” he cautioned.
The police commander urged residents to abandon the culture of silence and ensure that all incidents of GBV are formally reported.
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“Justice for GBV victims begins the moment a case is reported to the police. When community members choose silence or private settlement over official reporting, they inadvertently shield perpetrators and deny victims the protection they deserve. We must break this culture of quiet suffering,” he said.
Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok, who also addressed the gathering, raised alarm over increasing cases of teenage pregnancies and sexual violence.
“According to county statistics we have, Bomet recorded a total of 4,365 teenage pregnancies among 15–19-year-olds over the last nine months spanning 2024 and 2025,” he stated.
National data shows that 34 percent of girls aged 15–19 become pregnant, while 13 percent of women experience sexual violence and 16 percent undergo FGM.
Governor Barchok assured security officers of the county’s full support in combating GBV. He noted that the newly constructed Bomet Child Holding Centre at the Bomet Police Station will offer a safer, more dignified environment for sexually assaulted minors as they receive care and support.
Authorities say efforts are underway to strengthen community policing, enhance public awareness, and improve reporting systems to ensure that all GBV cases—particularly those involving minors—are pursued within the law and perpetrators are held accountable.
BY Kimutai Langat
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