Actor Pascal Tokodi has asked Kenyans not to overlook the high cases of gender-based violence (GBV) as they continue with the fight against the new wave of abduction.
Taking to his Instagram account on Sunday, January 5, 2025, the thespian said that speaking against GBV is vitally important and that all Kenyans are responsible for creating a country where citizens are treated with respect and dignity.
“As much as we have a lot going on in the country… Let’s not forget the high cases of gender-based violence in Kenya, Saying no to GBV is a moral imperative. We all have a responsibility to contribute to creating a world where individuals are treated with respect and dignity……If you don’t speak up..”Pascal Tokodi said.
Koome on GBV
On November 29, 2024, Chief Justice Martha Koome proposed a bold initiative to combat GBV by creating one-stop centres that integrate legal, medical, and psychological support for survivors.
“While the Judiciary has already made significant strides towards this end, through the roll-out of Gender Justice Courts, we recognize that the fight against SGBV requires a holistic, multi-sectoral approach,” she said.
These centres would include: Gender Justice Courts to ensure timely adjudication of cases, police posts to simplify the reporting process, healthcare clinics for immediate medical attention and trauma care, psychological counselling services to address emotional and mental health needs, safe houses for survivors requiring protection and legal aid offices to guide survivors through the justice system.
Koome emphasized that addressing GBV requires collaboration across sectors, urging civil society, government agencies, and international partners to support the establishment of one-stop centres.
Abduction cases in Kenya
There have been several cases of abductions that have been reported in the country, with youths who have been criticizing the government through social media, being the main targets.
The latest abductions to be recorded include Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, and an unnamed fourth individual which occurred on various dates in December 2024 across the Embu, Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
A section of Kenyans have since vowed to stage protests on Monday, January 6, 2024, to demand the release of the abductees.
A similar protest was staged on Monday, December 30, 2024, which saw a section of activists including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah arrested.
