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Meru leaders raise alarm over rising gender based violence ahead of festive season
10th December, 2025 05:38 PM
Stakeholders in Meru County have expressed concern over the rising cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), calling for concerted efforts to curb the vice as the festive season approaches.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Meru County Deputy Governor Linda Kiome urged men to take a frontline role in safeguarding families and the community.
Also watch: 3 In 10 women in Kenya experience some form of GBV – World Health Organization
“Men must rise and take responsibility in protecting our society from SGBV. This fight needs all of us,” Kiome said.
She further appealed to parents and caregivers to heighten vigilance over their children during the holiday period.
“As December approaches, we urge all parents to monitor the whereabouts of their children, both boys and girls, to reduce the risk of sexual assault,” she noted, adding that clergy and community elders must also step up.
“We need our religious leaders and elders to join hands with us in this fight.”
On her part, Imenti North Deputy County Commissioner Oddiliah Ndeti echoed the deputy governor’s remarks, affirming the government’s commitment to child protection.
“Children have rights, and as a government, we will use all our strength to fight this vice in our society,” she stated.
Also watch: Majority of GBV cases happen at home, says taskforce
In a joint awareness campaign, the National Government, Meru County Government, and Ripples International flagged off an anti-SGBV caravan from Imenti North to Lare town, passing through Maua, a region that continues to record high SGBV cases.
The leaders emphasised that eliminating SGBV requires a united front from households, community leaders, and government agencies across the country.
