Violence
The Judiciary has been challenged to step up efforts to address escalating cases of sexual gender based violence in Homa Bay County. The County Executive Committee Member for Education Martin Opere said efforts to improve access to education for the girl child had been hampered by the perpetrators of the violence.
Speaking when he represented Governor Gladys Wanga during the Judiciary open day in Homa Bay town municipal market Friday, Opere said the county government was committed to addressing the triple threat of HIV infections, gender based violence and teenage pregnancies.
Mr. Opere extended a message of condolences to the family of the slain Makadara Magistrate Monica Kivuti, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures within court premises.
The theme of the event was focusing on raising awareness about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). “Governor Wanga has always championed efforts to curb sexual and gender-based violence and improve education standards in the county,” Mr. Opere said.
He said the Governor’s proactive stance was further underscored by recent engagements with the United Nations and civil society to bolster the Triple Threat Initiative.
Opere expressed concern that there remains a significant backlog of SGBV cases within the judicial system in Homa Bay County: “It is our collective duty to ensure an enabling environment for reporting SGBV cases,” he stressed, pointing out the gravity of these offenses and the need for efficient judicial resolution.
Opere criticized officials in some incidences where some SGBV cases are resolved informally stressing that all cases of defilement must be handled by the relevant authorities He emphasized the county’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive SGBV policy.
As a county government, we are preparing legislation to decisively address these issues,” he affirmed, signaling a proactive approach to tackling the root causes of violence. Opere expressed gratitude to the Judiciary and the Homa Bay Law Courts team for their dedication to justice.
“We applaud the Judiciary for their role in bringing justice through initiatives like this open day,” he added.