Over 50 GBV cases reported in Thika slum monthly

Concerns are mounting over the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Kiandutu slums, Thika, Kiambu County. Reports indicate that more than 50 cases of sodomy, rape, and physical assault are reported monthly, painting a grim picture of the state of safety and wellbeing in the community.

Peter Muchunu, a medic at Kiandutu Level 2 Hospital, revealed that his facility handles at least 20 GBV cases each month, with an additional 30 cases reported to police helplines. He noted that defilement accounts for the majority of incidents, some so severe that they require referrals to Thika Level 5 Hospital.

“The cases might be higher than reported because many go unrecorded,” Muchunu explained. “Victims often refrain from coming forward, particularly in cases of sodomy and defilement, due to fear of reprisals from perpetrators.”

In response to the escalating cases, a coalition of organizations including the Kenya Counseling and Psychological Association (KCPA), police, judiciary, and local community-based groups have launched comprehensive initiatives aimed at addressing the crisis. These efforts seek to provide holistic support for survivors, including legal aid, medical attention, and psychological care.

KCPA Thika Chairperson Susan Gitau emphasized the importance of psychological interventions. “It’s crucial that we offer not just legal and medical support, but also the psychological care that victims need to heal,” she said.

Gitau further highlighted the growing number of male victims, noting that while women and girls remain the most visible targets of GBV, men and boys are increasingly affected. “Some of the cases men face are more emotional and psychological abuse, while boys experience sexual abuse, particularly sodomy,” she explained.

She pointed out the cyclical nature of trauma within the community. “The behavioral outcome of a traumatised community is anger, which often leads victims to become abusers themselves, perpetuating the cycle of violence,” Gitau said. As GBV cases continue to rise in Kiandutu, medics and community leaders are calling for more robust measures to address the underlying causes and provide adequate support for survivors. They urge government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector to join hands in combating this crisis, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents.

The fight against GBV in Kiandutu is not just about addressing individual cases but breaking the cycle of violence and trauma that affects the entire community. With coordinated efforts, the hope is to transform the slums into a space of safety, dignity, and opportunity.