Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has come to the defence of police officers handling of gender-based violence (GBV) cases, highlighting challenges they face in dealing with such matters.
In a statement shared on her X account on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Wamae pointed out that law enforcement officers are often unfairly criticized for the way they handle GBV cases.
She explained that in some instances, couples reconcile and withdraw their complaints, leaving officers in a difficult position.
Wamae illustrated her point by describing a common scenario where a wife reports a case of domestic violence to the police. As officers head out to arrest the husband, they may encounter him on his way to file a report and obtain a medical form (P3) for his injuries. She noted that in many cases, the couple chooses to reconcile during the process.
“Matters GBV, the police are wrongfully blamed at times. A wife reports, as the police are headed to arrest the husband, they meet the husband coming to ‘take’ his P3. Kidogo kidogo the ‘lovers’ go outside to talk and then they report to the police “Tumeongea, wacha kesi iishe” What do you do as a policeman/woman?” Wamae questioned.
Matters GBV, the police are wrongfully blamed at times.
A wife reports, as the police are headed to arrest the husband, they meet the husband coming to ‘take’ his P3. Kidogo kidogo the ‘lovers’ go outside to talk and then they report to the police, “Tumeongea, wacha kesi iishe”…
— JUSTINA WAMAE (@justinawamae) January 22, 2025
GBV stats in Kenya
According to the 2022 Demographic Survey of Kenya, 34 per cent of women across the country have faced physical violence, with 16 per cent experiencing it frequently. In comparison, 27 per cent of men reported being affected by physical violence.
The survey highlighted that women aged 45 to 49 are the most affected, with 42 per cent reporting incidents of physical violence.
The survey also revealed that married individuals or those cohabiting face the highest rates of physical violence, with 37 per cent of women and 23.5 per cent of men in such relationships reporting incidents.
GBV/femicide committee
President William Ruto recently gazetted a 35-member Technical Working Group on GBV.
The team, chaired by Health CS Nancy Barasa comprises Mohammed Washala Abdi, Dr Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Dr Edna Ngare Ngeno, Dr Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, and Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende.
Other members are Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Dr Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, and Harleen Kaur Jabbal.
The group also includes Dr Bashir Isaak, Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, and Dr Purity Ngina.
Additional members are Dr Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N’gabala Sodonon, Dr Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Faith Odhiambo, Ann Ireri, Seth Masese, and Mashetti Masinjila.
The team aims to address increasing cases of GBV and femicide, which cause physical, emotional, and economic harm, exacerbate gender inequalities, and impede sustainable development.
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