- Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili has warned against informal settlement of gender-based violence cases.
- The county is finalising a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Bill to strengthen protection for survivors.
- Residents have been urged to break the culture of silence and reject harmful cultural practices.
Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili has warned against the use of informal or “kangaroo” courts to handle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, saying perpetrators must face the full force of the law.
She said all GBV cases should be handled through the established legal and justice systems to ensure accountability and justice for survivors.
Speaking during an Anti-GBV Champions Engagement Forum in Wote, Mulili reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to eliminating gender-based violence and called on residents to break the culture of silence by reporting cases to the relevant authorities.
Mulili said Makueni County has already established progressive policy frameworks, including the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy, Gender Policy, Children Policy and Disability Policy.
She added that the county is finalising the Makueni County Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Bill to strengthen coordination, prevention and accountability in addressing GBV.
Collective responsibility
The Deputy Governor commended Anti-GBV champions, community leaders, the Judiciary, security agencies, religious leaders and development partners for their continued efforts in preventing violence and supporting survivors.
She urged men and boys to champion positive masculinity while calling on communities to reject harmful cultural practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
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Mulili said the county government will continue investing in community awareness, survivor support services, capacity building, behaviour change communication and stronger multi-sectoral partnerships to realise a GBV-free Makueni.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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