The General Kago Funeral Home in Thika is an unlikely barometer of social unrest, but a quiet building that holds a harrowing truth. 

In just the first half of 2025, it has received at least 45 bodies of both women and men whose deaths have been linked to gender-based violence (GBV), a reflection of a growing crisis gripping families in Kiambu County. 

The statistics, compiled by the local morgue and which has corresponded with that of the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC), paint a grim picture. 

According to reports, Kiambu is currently leading the country in reported cases of GBV. What was once whispered behind closed doors is now a national concern, demanding urgent action from all sectors of society. 

Tragic deaths 

During a women’s sensitisation forum held in Thika, victims, leaders, and activists came together to confront the realities behind these tragic deaths. 

Behind the numbers, it emerged that therein lie deep social scars with the increased cases attributed to poverty, infidelity, economic despair, and a culture of silence that allows abuse to flourish unchecked. 

Among other cited triggers of GBV in Kiambu are extramarital affairs and the emotional betrayal that follows. 

According to Jane Mwihaki, a marriage counsellor, married men in the county having multiple lovers has become a common narrative that is tearing families apart and escalating tensions to dangerous levels. 

“It is no longer whether or not, but by how many. Kiambu men have joined their counterparts in other parts of Kenya who have multiple lovers, some legally married while others are undercover side chicks,” noted Mwihaki. 

Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a stated that infidelity has been destroying homes and leaving a trail of blood, revealing that at least 46 women have died in suspected femicide cases in Thika alone this year, a number she described as “unacceptable and shameful.” 

Ng’ang’a, who has been at the forefront of anti-GBV campaigns in her constituency, urged couples to embrace faithfulness and mutual respect. 

Living costs 

“We must rebuild the institution of family with honesty and commitment. Otherwise, we are breeding resentment that ends in violence,” she advised. 

But it’s not just infidelity that is fueling the crisis; many participants at the forum pointed to deepening poverty and hopelessness, especially among men, as a key driver of domestic instability. 

The economic fallout, coupled with job losses and rising living costs, was also blamed for leaving many unable to provide, turning frustration into aggression. 

It also emerged that many victims, especially men, suffer in isolation, too ashamed or afraid to report abuse, while others believe law enforcement won’t act, or worse, that speaking out might put them in greater danger. 

Miriam Wayua, a participant in the forum, recounted how a close friend stayed in an abusive marriage for years before it finally turned fatal.

“She kept hoping he would change, but the man never did. She is now gone,” regretted Wayua. 

She called for communities to stop covering up for abusers, calling on Kenyans to start speaking out by reporting, intervening and protecting those in danger. 

According to Kiambu Women Representative Anne Wamuratha, Kiambu’s unique social makeup has also come under scrutiny. 

With its fast-growing urban centres, increasing migration, and economic contrasts, the county is home to people from diverse backgrounds, a fact she said could be exacerbating the crisis. 

She added that local leaders have petitioned President William Ruto’s office for targeted support to address the worsening situation. 

Treat women with respect 

“We have called for help to undertake, among other things, the establishment of GBV shelters, counselling programs, and the revitalisation of the Nyumba Kumi initiative to detect and report early signs of domestic violence,” stated Wamuratha. 

Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge reiterated the role of infidelity and dishonesty in domestic violence cases and challenged men to own up to their responsibilities and treat women with respect. 

“Our women are not punching bags. And our children should not be raised in fear. We must reimagine what love and commitment look like,” he said. 

The leaders pledged to strengthen legislative frameworks, improve law enforcement responses, and push for the establishment of safe spaces for GBV victims across the county.