Murkomen issues fresh appeal over rising GBV cases
By Faith Lagat, March 26, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has underscored the government’s commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the opening of the modern Bura Police Station in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County.
Speaking on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Murkomen said the new facility will strengthen security services in the area and support efforts to address cases of GBV, which he noted remain a concern in the region.
Murkomen also announced the deployment of additional officers to reinforce security and improve response to reported cases.
The police station is expected to enhance access to law enforcement services for residents and improve the handling of gender-related offences.
“We are deploying additional police officers to the area to bolster security and strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence, which is prevalent in the county,” Murkomen stated.
The CS also used the event to brief residents on ongoing development initiatives in the county and encouraged them to register for national identity cards, which are currently being issued free of charge.
Rising concern over GBV cases
Murkomen’s remarks come at a time when cases of gender-based violence and femicide have drawn increased national attention. Human rights organisation Amnesty International Kenya has raised concerns about delays in implementing recommendations from the GBV Taskforce report presented to the government last year.
According to the organisation, the report highlighted persistent risks faced by women and girls, with many incidents involving people known to the victims. The World Health Organisation estimates that one in three women in Kenya faces the risk of sexual and gender-based violence, while studies also indicate that young boys can be affected.
“According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 3 women is at risk of SGBV in Kenya, while 18 per cent of young boys are at risk. Recognising the unique challenges in handling cases related to SGBV, the Judiciary has taken a bold step forward by establishing the specialized SGBV Courts.”
Efforts to address the challenge include the establishment of specialised Sexual and Gender-Based Violence courts under the Judiciary’s strategy to improve the handling of such cases. These courts aim to provide a trauma-informed approach that prioritises victims’ safety, dignity and privacy.
The event was attended by several leaders and security officials from the county and national government. Among those present were area MP Peter Shake, Members of the County Assembly led by County Assembly Speaker Wisdom Mwamburi, and Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat.
Others in attendance included Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Commissioners Micah Onyiego and Annette Mbogoh, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, Taita Taveta County Commissioner Linda Okola, and County Police Commander Jonathan Koech.