Migori, Kenya – As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), leaders from Migori County are sounding the alarm over the worsening GBV crisis, urging swift and decisive action from both the local and national governments. With an alarming rise in reported incidents, these leaders are calling on the authorities to do more than just offer empty promises. They want real, tangible results in the fight to eliminate GBV by 2030.
Augustine Mwise, a former Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Ntimaru East and a leading contender in the 2027 Kuria East parliamentary race, has taken the current leadership to task for their lackluster response to the specific challenges facing Kuria girls, who are under constant threat of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Mwise did not mince words, pointing out that despite the existence of the Nguruna and Kitiabaye Rescue Centers in Kuria East, these facilities have failed to provide the necessary safe spaces for girls seeking refuge from FGM.
“Ms. Fatuma Mohamed, the current Women Representative, should stop dabbling in roadside politics and rallies. While distributing utensils to women’s groups might look good on paper, it is nowhere near enough. What about the youth? What about the vulnerable girls facing FGM every day? We, the residents of Migori, are watching and waiting for real leadership,” Mwise declared.
Mwise’s comments underscore a deep frustration with what is perceived as a lack of real service delivery from the elected leadership. He emphasized the need for comprehensive social empowerment, not just token gestures, and called on the county government to allocate specific funds to assist those at risk from the “triple threat” of FGM, domestic violence, and other gender-related abuses. Mwise also urged a societal shift, with a focus on educating men about the health risks associated with FGM, including its devastating impact on women’s sexual and reproductive health.
The frustrations voiced by Mwise are shared by other key leaders in the county, including former gubernatorial aspirant Byron Oginga and disability rights advocate Ms. Esther Onana. Oginga has voiced his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on the Nguruna Rescue Camp, a project that was initially championed by former Women Representative Dr. Pamela Odhiambo. Despite the facility’s promise, it remains incomplete and underfunded, leaving survivors of GBV with few places to turn for help.
“It is deeply troubling that the Nguruna Rescue Camp, which was meant to be a lifeline for survivors of violence, remains nothing more than an unfulfilled promise,” Oginga said. “We need immediate action to ensure that this facility becomes operational, and that women and girls have access to the support they desperately need.”
Oginga further criticized some NGOs working in the region, accusing them of exploiting the community’s vulnerability for financial gain rather than focusing on addressing the root causes of GBV. He called for a shift in how aid organizations operate, demanding that they prioritize sustainable, long-term solutions over short-term relief efforts that fail to address the underlying issues.
Meanwhile, Ms. Onana has drawn attention to the particularly dire situation faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs), who are at an increased risk of GBV but often face significant barriers to seeking justice. Onana called for a dedicated fund to support PWD victims, providing legal aid and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
“Persons with disabilities are not only vulnerable to abuse, but they are also silenced by stigma and fear of retaliation. It is time the government created a support system that enables them to seek justice and rebuild their lives,” Onana said.
The leaders have also called for a more comprehensive approach to tackling domestic violence, recommending the introduction of anger management programs and mental health support to address the root causes of family conflict. They urged the county to implement alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce the escalation of family tensions into violence.
As we near the 2030 target for eliminating GBV, these leaders have called for a multi-pronged approach, uniting local politicians, activists, and the community in a concerted effort to address not only the symptoms of GBV but the toxic cultural practices that enable it. They are calling for a crackdown on harmful traditions like FGM and for more education to change deep-seated attitudes that perpetuate violence.
“We must come together and tackle this issue head-on, not just with laws, but by changing minds and behaviors,” Oginga emphasized. “By 2030, we must see a dramatic reduction in gender-based violence across Migori County.”
As the pressure mounts, the clock is ticking. It is clear that Migori’s leadership must act now if they are to make good on their promises and protect the most vulnerable members of society from violence and abuse. The residents of Migori will be watching closely—and demanding results.
