Garissa County honours 31 heroes in the fight against gender-based violence

Thirty-one heroes and heroines actively involved in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were honoured during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Garissa County.

Garissa Governor, Nathif Jama, recognised the champions, led by Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, with medals, certificates, and cash awards for their efforts in addressing GBV cases. He noted that cases of GBV were on the rise and stressed the need for increased efforts to combat the vice.

The individuals honoured for their contributions came from various sectors, including civil society, the National Police Service, nurses from Garissa Referral Hospital, county staff from the Gender Department, paralegal officers, lawyers, religious leaders, and members of the disabled community.

Sheikh Hassan Abdi, a religious leader in Garissa, receives an award from Garissa Governor Nathif Jama at Garissa Primary playground during the Mashujaa Day celebrations. (Issa Hussein)

Addressing the public at Garissa Primary playground, the governor expressed concern over the rising incidence of GBV, which he attributed to the Alternative Justice System (AJS), locally known as Maslah court.

"Garissa town is experiencing a worrying trend of gang rape and sodomy, which never existed before. We attribute this to drug abuse, and we need to collectively fight against this vice," he said.

He urged GBV champions to remain steadfast in their efforts to ensure that all involved in GBV cases are brought before Garissa Law Court for justice.

Garissa County Commissioner, Mohamed Mwabudzo, assured the public that he would intensify his efforts to tackle the growing menace. He acknowledged that the Maslah traditional court plays an important role in dispute resolution but emphasised that GBV cases must proceed to the law courts to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

Mohamed also called for the vetting of elders involved in the Maslah courts to ensure justice is served fairly and cautioned them against allowing early marriages.

"We are receiving cases of elderly men marrying young schoolgirls. We will not condone such behaviour," he warned.

Sheikh Hassan Abdi, a Garissa SUPKEM official, also condemned GBV cases, noting that Garissa town is currently facing a difficult period with the increase in such incidents.