From a tender age, Kerry Mwita was eager and optimistic about becoming an activist for positive change in the community.
Mwita says he is from a minor community in Kenya known as Kuria in Migori county where he witnessed some uncomfortable traditions being practiced in the area that partially fueled his urge to become an activist.
The Star interviewed the Nguvu Change leader on his fight against gender-based violence.
Why do you think cases of GBV continue to increase?
The majority of survivors or even witnesses do not speak up about this case.
They rather protect their marriages and also due to the uncertainty of getting holistic survivor-friendly support in both medical institutions and mainstream courts.
What is the number of people affected by GBV in Migori?
GBV cases in Migori county account for 51 per cent which is more than half the population of both girls and women that you see are victims of GBV and that contradicts the national average of 34 per cent the Kenya Demographic Health stated in their latest survey which was done in 2022.
Why do you think there aren't many reports of GBV in Migori county despite there being many cases?
Fear of rejection and stigmatisation. Many do not want to stand out as a bad person for going against the norms of the culture.
This is very sad and concerning as they are willing to sacrifice their safety. They rather suffer in silence.
When the GBV cases are brought to light where are they usually handled?
Most of the GBV cases are being dealt with at Kangaroo Court which are not survivor-friendly because they are not trained to deal with such cases.
As an activist, I am concerned when survivors do not get to court. Specialised court to be precise.
What are you doing to help GBV victims?
I want to ensure that there are GBV courts built everywhere in Kenya and in this courts, GBV victims will be well catered for and even provided with counselling to deal with their traumas.
The Judiciary has a blueprint called Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint which embodies a survivor-friendly judicial system through the establishment of specialized GBV courts countrywide. The blueprint specialises in establishing specialised courts in each part of the country.
Which is the first location you want the court established?
If I had the required resources at my disposal I would want to build the courts everywhere at once. Though that is not doable at the moment, however, there is a chance that Migori will get priority due to the alarming numbers.
Some people are ignorant, especially on matters such as GBV how do you plan to deal with this?
Aside from the Nguvu movement I also work under Naya ( Network for Adolescent and Youth for Africa)
We try to educate people about the dangers of harmful practices, and why they should stop the practice. We also hold seminars with the police to educate them on how to deal with such cases.
Everyone is equal in dignity in accordance with the United Declaration of Human Rights and deserves to be treated well. A proper litigation system that is friendly and provides counselling for the survivors should be enacted.
Is there any petition that has successfully reached the JSC?
Yes, there has been, not too long ago on January 1,1 2024 I was able to successfully hand over a petition to the JSC on matters concerning the construction of the GBV courts.
How are you going to get funds to build these GBV courts?
I have been imploring the judiciary to include in their quotation the budget for the establishment of a specialised GBV court in the budget-making process so that we can see what money has been allocated to the GBV court.
