Meru, Kenya — Stakeholders in Meru County have raised concern over an upsurge in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), urging swift and coordinated action as the festive season approaches.
Meru County Deputy Governor Linda Kiome called on men to take a frontline role in protecting families and rebuilding community responsibility.
“Men must rise and take responsibility in protecting our society from SGBV. This fight needs all of us,” Kiome said, noting that the holiday period often records heightened risks of abuse.
She appealed to parents and caregivers to intensify vigilance over children during the long December break.
“As December approaches, we urge all parents to monitor the whereabouts of their children — both boys and girls — to reduce the risk of sexual assault,” she stressed. Kiome further challenged clergy and community elders to actively participate in prevention efforts.
“We need our religious leaders and elders to join hands with us in this fight.”
Imenti North Deputy County Commissioner Oddiliah Ndeti echoed the concerns, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding children.
“Children have rights, and as government, we will use all our strength to fight this vice in our society,” she said.
In a joint awareness initiative, the National Government, Meru County Government, and Ripples International flagged off an anti-SGBV caravan from Imenti North to Lare town, with stopovers in Maua — an area that continues to report high numbers of SGBV incidents.
The leaders underscored that eliminating SGBV requires a united front involving households, community gatekeepers, and government agencies across Meru County.
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