MPs sound alarm over surging gender-based violence, call for tougher action
By Kiprono Keileb, August 1, 2025Members of the National Assembly have raised grave concerns over the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) across the country, calling for swift legal reforms and collective national action to stem the crisis.
The heated debate unfolded in Parliament on Friday, August 1, 2025, after Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei sought an update on the state of femicide and sexual violence in her county.
In response, the Chairperson of the Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Gabriel Tongoyo, tabled statistics that painted a chilling picture.
Between April and July 2025 alone, Kericho County recorded:
2 femicide cases
9 rape incidents
3 gang rape reports
2 sexual assaults
77 cases of child defilement
“These numbers are horrifying, and Kericho is not an outlier; similar patterns are emerging across the country,” Tongoyo warned.
His statement triggered bipartisan outrage, with MPs demanding urgent reforms to protect women and children. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula led the charge, condemning perpetrators in the strongest terms.
“Men who prey on women and children are cowards. Those who target schoolgirls are beasts and do not deserve a place in our society. If you admire girls in uniform, buy your wife one and admire her. Leave our children alone,” the speaker declared
Wetang’ula further urged lawmakers to craft stricter laws, warning that current punishments are too lenient and embolden repeat offenders.
Beatrice Kemei appealed for legislators to stand in solidarity with women leaders in the fight against GBV. “This is not a women-only issue; it affects every home, every community,” she said.
Special courts
Several MPs echoed the call for a coordinated, countrywide response. Kirinyaga MP Njeri Maina called for the establishment of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) courts in every magistrate’s court and highlighted rampant police inaction.
“There’s still a lot to be done. We cannot celebrate progress in women’s representation while our girls remain unsafe,” she said.
Teso South MP Mary Emaase pushed for increased funding for public awareness and advocacy, noting that many counties still lack the necessary resources to fight the menace on the ground.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda emphasised the role of communities, urging grassroots engagement to shift harmful societal attitudes and practices.
“It must be a shared responsibility. We all must stand up for our women and girls,” she said.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya added a voice from the male side: “We as men must lead from the front, not in silence, but in action. Our dignity lies in how we protect those around us.”
As the country grapples with surging GBV cases, the House’s powerful message was clear: the time for half-measures is over. What is needed now is legislative resolve, grassroots awareness, and unrelenting public pressure to keep women and children safe across all 47 counties.