Kwale residents want chiefs equipped with mediation skills to curb GBV

Local residents in the Kinango area of Kwale County have called on the national government to equip local chiefs with mediation skills to effectively resolve marital disputes amid a rising tide of tragic spousal violence.

Speaking to the Eastleigh Voice on Monday, the locals adamantly called for intervention following a surge in domestic violence cases.

"We are witnessing an alarming trend where disputes between couples are escalating to murder. Equipping our chiefs with mediation skills could prevent these tragic incidents and foster peaceful resolutions," said Kwekwe Beja.

Kwekwe added that since the beginning of the year, Kinango has recorded over eight incidents where spouses fatally attacked each other, underscoring the urgency for preventative measures.

Karisa Chengo said equipping local authorities with mediation skills remains urgent to prevent further tragedies within the community.

"The government should also start campaigns to sensitise people on the importance of peaceful conflict resolution methods," he said, after supporting calls for empowering chiefs.

The outcry comes in response to a recent incident where Mlongo Mriphe Munga, aged 30, lost her life in a brutal attack.

Police mark evidence at a crime scene. (Photo: Canva)

Police reports indicate that she was stabbed multiple times in the chest and left hand with a knife, succumbing to her injuries at the scene.

The perpetrator, identified as Maita Mwaka, aged 40, allegedly entered Mlongo's home and assaulted her at around 7.45 pm on Sunday. He then fled the scene, leaving the community in shock.

The body of Mlongo Mriphe Munga has been transferred to the Msambweni County Referral Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

In a similar tragedy earlier this year, two women were brutally hacked to death in Mtsangatifu, Kinango sub-county, reportedly due to a family dispute.

Kinango OCPD Selina Kiluga, while reacting to the developments, issued a stern warning against vigilante justice, urging community members to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

"Violence will not be tolerated, and those found culpable will face the full force of the law," she affirmed.