Waiguru Swings Into Action After Outcry

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has taken action after thousands of women disclosed suffering based on their gender.

In an address she made on Wednesday, December 11, the eloquent county boss disclosed that she had set up a special wing at Kerugoya Referral Hospital for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) victims.

In her speech, she also noted that 2,847 victims had sought help over the menace while 797 had suffered worst forms identified as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, her deputy Peter Ndambiri with women during the launch of

"Today at a Gender Round Table with Kirinyaga women we deliberated on ways of eliminating all forms of Gender-Based Violence.

"In addressing the vice that has seen 2,485 victims treated for GBV injuries and 797 for SGBV, my government has established a Gender-Based Violence Recovery Center at Kerugoya Referral Hospital," stated the governor.

"We will ensure a vibrant and well-supported program from the centre aimed at reduction of treatment and increased focus on sensitisation programmes towards the deterrence of GBV," she continued.

According to data from the United Nations, Health CS Sicily Kariuki noted that GBV was at a shocking level in Kenya since five of every 10 women have suffered in one way or another.

“Five in every 10 women in Kenya in the age bracket 15 to 49 (about 47%) have suffered one or another form of violence. About 40% of men within that same age bracket have also been victims of violence.

"According to a survey done by the State Department, five in every 10 women of the ages 15 to 24 believe and accept that men have a right to beat up a woman for one reason or another," stated Kariuki during an address in Kiambu County.

The vice was particularly worse in 2017, according to Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR), as it cost some women elective seats.

A report from the commission disclosed that a female aspirant from Chavayo Ward in Kakamega County was assaulted by her opponent's supporters and denied entry into her own home.

Suba North Constituency MP Millie Odhiambo also had her house burnt down during ODM party primaries and her bodyguard was run over and killed by a man who was driving her opponent's vehicle.

Some of the women who attended the launch of
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