By Leon Mutwiri
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action, Ann Wang’ombe has raised concern over the rising cases of child defilement, abandonment and Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Mount Kenya region and called on all stakeholders to work harmoniously to to reverse the trend.
She regretted the trend is troubling and worrisome noting the region is known for the fight for independence and not such vices against the children.
Speaking at Ripples International School at Kithoka in North Imenti constituency, Meru County during an anniversary celebration, Ms Wang’ombe called on Meru residents to protect and secure their children against social vices facing the county.
She said if Meru and other counties were able to earn the country its freedom, it would not be difficult for them to still champion social protection.
“If you were among the counties that fought for our independence as a country, I strongly believe that we can also fight for the independence of our children. Children should live in safe and dignity-filled homes away from alcoholism and domestic violence,” said the PS.
She called on the National Government Administrators Police Unit to put more effort into mapping out and arresting culprits of illicit liquor brewing and domestic violence perpetrators since they are well known in the society.
”Let them be put behind bars because their existence in the respective societies, is the sole reason as to why children are suffering,” said the PS.
She called on the entire community, including leaders of the Nyumba Kumi initiatives, the clergy, teachers and parents to spend time sensitizing on such issues in a move meant to help bring down the cases of GBV and other associated vices.
The PS lauded the society- changing organization for its 25 years of unwavering dedication and resilience to restoring hope and healing to young hearts of trauma faced children in the society.
She vowed to continue offering support to ensure societal change is experienced.
“I laud the Ripples International School Executive Director Ms Mercy Chidi for her unwavering dedication to ensure that vulnerable kids are not defined by their pain but their potentials. I promise to continue offering support to ensure societal change is exprienced,” said the PS.
During the anniversary, tears flowed freely as the beneficiaries of Ripples International school narrated the ordeal they underwent before the institution came to their rescue.
Edited by John Majau
