• Report indicated that Bungoma leads in women’s experience of sexual violence (62%)
• Police boss engaged the community on the need to solve the issues amicably
Image: TONY WAFULA
Police officers in Bungoma county have raised concerns about the increasing number of domestic violence cases in Mt Elgon region.
Speaking at Chebwek in Mt Elgon on Tuesday during a community engagement meeting, county police commander Francis Kooli said love triangle issues have also been on the rise.
“We have come here as a result of the domestic violence cases and the love triangle issues that we have seen and heard happen in Mt Elgon,” Kooli said.
"It is very unfortunate that we have lost our friends to these two issues. We want everybody to love another for the prosperity of our region."
Present were the assistant county commissioner, OCPD, peace ambassadors, village elders, chiefs and Nyumba Kumi officials.
Mt Elgon has been perceived to lead in female genital mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence (GBV) cases.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) report, a high percentage of women between the ages of 15 and 49 have ever experienced physical violence since age 15.
The report further indicated that Bungoma county led in the women’s experience of sexual violence with 62 per cent.
Kooli said last week, two people died on the spot after being attacked.
Another one is nursing injuries at Bungoma County Referral Hospital after he was stabbed by another man for allegedly pursuing his wife, he said.
“We have decided to come here and engage the community on the need to solve the issues amicably using diplomacy and to activate the structures that are in place,” Kooli said.
He said the work of the police is to ensure that residents are safe.
In addition, Kooli called on the Mt Elgon members who were evicted from the forest to relax and not start conflicts with the government, noting that the matter is currently before the court.
“We have noted some individuals who want to start wars with the government,” he said.
"Please relax and wait for the court’s directive. We cannot discuss something that is before court.
“Anything to do with encroachment, we need just to stop so that we allows the leaders to engage with the government and ensure that we have a smooth transition.”
Kooli warned parents who have neglected taking their children to school that they will be arrested and taken to court.
“From today ,I am discouraging schoolgoing students being sent to the market to sell items. If any is found, a parent will be arrested,” he said.