• CS says national government will increase cash for Women and Youth funds.
Image: GERALD MUTETHIA
All chiefs abetting violence against women and girls will be sacked, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i has said.
He said police are investigating the rise in cases of gender violence.
“The government won’t stand by as violence is meted out on spouses. This is a matter that will not be taken lightly and there will be no compromise," he said in Meru on Friday.
"I hereby order chiefs and their assistants to take any person who reports gender-based violence to file a report so the offender may be arrested and prosecuted. These are serious cases and there will be no room for negotiation."
The CS accused some chiefs of collaborating with perpetrators, involving select elders and excluding police.
Matiang’i, who was accompanied by Youth CS Margaret Kobia, Governor Kiraitu Murungi, MP Mugambi Rindikiri, county commissioners and commanders, among other security agency chiefs, spoke at a Methodist church in Kiirua market, Buuri constituency, Meru.
He led the issuance of about Sh28 million from the Women and Youth Enterprise funds.
"Anyone violating women and children rights must be arrested and charged in court. No one is allowed to beat women even if they are their wives. There have been such cases and we will conduct more investigations to ensure everyone who violates their rights is brought to book," Matiang'i said.
He said he had summoned all security chiefs within the region, including the Eastern region police commander, regional county commissioner and a representative from the Office of the Inspector General, Meru county commissioner and commander to discuss insecurity challenges.
He said the national government will increase allocations to the Women and Youth Enterprise funds to continue empowering them.
"We will continue helping the youth and women and we ask you to continue repaying. When you empower a woman, they repay and government will add more money. On April 2, come out in large numbers to register with the National Integrated Identity card,” he said.
He said the Isiolo county commissioner (who was present) and Meru security agencies will hold joint security meetings to curb insecurity within the two counties.
He denied claims that the police reforms will lead to abolishing of some posts and stations.
"The national government always roots for peaceful coexistence. Even if we are doing some changes in the police, no station will be relocated, we will add more police officers and vehicles to improve patrol bases," he said.
He said he will liaise with relevant ministries to fast-track completion of every delayed project in the county.
On President Uhuru Kenyatta's title deeds pilot project, Matiang'i said more surveyors will be sent to fast-track the issuance process for all landowners to have title deeds.
CS Kobia urged other women to apply for the fund saying it does not require collateral and its interest is low compared to other institutions that offer loans.
She said the funds have greatly changed lives, especially on health, education, creation of employment and food security.
“Women are now living empowered lives due to this initiative. As you take their cheques, we know you will change your lives and those of your dependents,” she said.
Governor Kiraitu and Rindikiri asked the government to prioritise donation of food to the drought victims within the county
“This area is faced with drought due to lack of enough rainfall. I am trying my best to drill boreholes and bring water for residents. I plead with the government to increase the Women Enterprise Fund to benefit more women,” Kiraitu said.
PS Kibicho said, “Looking back into the women and youths in my village, which is your (Meru's) neighbour, many have been empowered.”