- Gender Principal Secretary Ann Wang’ombe has called for concerted action to protect children from abuse.
- She expressed concern over cases of defilement, abandonment and gender-based violence across the Mt Kenya region.
- Wang’ombe spoke during Ripples International’s 25th anniversary celebrations in North Imenti, Meru County.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Ann Wang’ombe, has raised concern over rising cases of child defilement, abandonment and gender-based violence (GBV) in the Mt Kenya region and called on all stakeholders to work harmoniously to reverse the trend.
She regretted that the trend was troubling and worrisome, noting that the region is known for its fight for independence and not such vices against children.
Speaking at Ripples International School at Kithoka in North Imenti Constituency, Meru County, during an anniversary celebration, Wang’ombe called on Meru residents to protect and secure their children against social vices facing the county.
She said if Meru and other counties were able to earn the country its freedom, it would not be difficult for them to still champion social protection.
“If you were among the counties that fought for our independence as a country, I strongly believe that we can also fight for the independence of our children. Children should live in safe and dignity-filled homes away from alcoholism and domestic violence,” said the PS.
She called on the National Government Administration Police Unit to put more effort into mapping out and arresting illicit liquor brewers and perpetrators of domestic violence since they are well known in society.
“Let them be put behind bars because their existence in the respective societies is the sole reason as to why children are suffering,” said the PS.
She called on the entire community, including leaders of Nyumba Kumi initiatives, the clergy, teachers and parents, to spend time sensitising communities on such issues in a move meant to help bring down cases of GBV and other associated vices.
Ripples International marks 25 years
The PS lauded the society-changing organisation for its 25 years of unwavering dedication and resilience in restoring hope and healing to children who have experienced trauma in society.
She vowed to continue offering support to ensure societal change is experienced.
“I laud the Ripples International School Executive Director, Ms Mercy Chidi, for her unwavering dedication to ensure that vulnerable kids are not defined by their pain but their potential. I promise to continue offering support to ensure societal change is experienced,” said the PS.
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During the anniversary, tears flowed freely as beneficiaries of Ripples International School narrated the ordeals they underwent before the institution came to their rescue.
By John Majau
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