Police in Rongo, in collaboration with the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), have sounded the alarm over a disturbing rise in sexual and gender-based violence, warning that widows and women involved in land disputes are increasingly vulnerable.
Rongo OCPD Salim Fundi revealed that six suspects have already been arrested following a recent attack in which a widow was violently assaulted by her stepchildren and in-laws, leaving her hospitalized.
Authorities expressed concern over the emergence of what they termed as “kangaroo courts” that are handling gender-based violence cases outside the formal justice system.
According to police and FIDA officials, such practices deny victims justice, perpetuate impunity, and worsen survivors’ trauma.
FIDA officials say the worrying trend is part of a wider national crisis, with a sharp increase in violence and killings targeting women. It now calls for urgent reforms, stronger laws, and greater public awareness to curb the escalating crisis.
