Religious leaders in Embu under the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) have decried the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies, and female genital mutilation (FGM) and vowed to spearhead a campaign against the vices.
They said vulnerable populations, including children and people with disabilities (PWDs), suffer the greatest during these occurrences, adding that men have also not been left behind.
“The outcry can no longer be ignored and that is why as religious leaders, we have decided to raise alarm and also strengthen our engagement in anti-violence messaging,” said NCCK Embu Chapter Bishop Silvanus Nyaga.
Speaking during an engagement forum at ACK St. Paul Cathedral Hall in Embu Town on Wednesday, Bishop Silvanus said they have agreed to be proactive in raising awareness and advocacy in their respective worship places.
He said they will put in place initiatives to have conversations with and educate children, teenagers, and youth when they close schools on proper sexual conduct to avoid falling victim or perpetrators of these crimes.
Hindu Council of Kenya Representative in Mt. Kenya Region Vimal Chadha urged the national and the county government of Embu to continue giving leadership on the multi-sectoral approach by coordinating the different actors working in addressing GBV to synergize initiatives.
He also called on the Embu County Gender Sector Working Group to prioritize the finalization of the referral directory and sensitize various actors on it to enhance the smooth process for survivors seeking essential services.
Embu Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) official, Sheikh Ramadhan Njuguna, asked the judiciary to ensure severe discipline for the perpetrators to act as a deterrent.
He also called for proactive responses by the security agencies and the health facilities to GBV cases to ensure justice is served to the victims.