By Erick Otieno

Migori, Kenya – November 22, 2024

The Migori County Government has intensified its efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, and female genital mutilation (FGM) in the region, focusing on addressing the persistent challenges in the Kuria sub-counties. This commitment was announced during a press briefing by Prof. Rose Ogwang Odhiambo, the Chief Officer for Gender and Inclusivity, who reaffirmed the county’s resolve to eliminate these harmful practices.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Odhiambo commended President William Ruto’s leadership in addressing these issues. She praised the recent allocation of Ksh. 100 million for initiatives against GBV, femicide, and FGM as part of the national government’s 16 Days of Activism.

“These vices not only violate fundamental human rights but also undermine the foundation of our communities and the well-being of our people,” Prof. Odhiambo said.

The county government is enhancing collaborations with national institutions, law enforcement agencies, local leaders, civil society organisations, and the Judiciary to ensure robust prevention, response, and support systems are implemented.

In the Kuria sub-counties, FGM remains a particularly critical concern. Prof. Odhiambo emphasised that such harmful practices cause profound physical and psychological trauma to women and girls, stripping them of their dignity and potential.

“To our communities, we reiterate: femicide has no place in Kenya. FGM has no place in Kenya. These practices must end, and perpetrators must be held accountable,” she asserted.

The Chief Officer also raised concerns about the growing dangers posed by harmful interactions on social media platforms, urging parents and guardians to play an active role in guiding and protecting young people. She encouraged families to maintain open communication and remain vigilant about their children’s safety and well-being.

The Migori County Government has committed to implementing policies and programmes aimed at tackling these issues comprehensively. Prof. Odhiambo called on residents to unite to safeguard women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

“Let us come together as a society to protect our women, children, and vulnerable populations. Together, we can create a future where every person lives free from violence, discrimination, and fear,” she concluded.

This renewed dedication marks a significant step forward in Migori County’s campaign to eradicate GBV, femicide, and FGM, ensuring justice for victims and a safer, more equitable future for all.

By Anderson Ojwang

Kisumu is emerging as a hotspot for various forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation, with growing concerns about the escalating number of incidents.

Investigations by Western Insight Newspaper revealed that in Kisumu Central Sub-county alone, 86 cases have been reported this year, with the actual number of unreported cases believed to be significantly higher. Similar cases are also on the rise in other sub-counties across the county.

The investigation identified Lolwe, Milimani, Nyamasaria, and Dunga estates as hotspots for rampant child sexual exploitation. A section of prominent personalities, businesspeople, and politicians are alleged to be involved in these activities, reportedly using their wealth and influence to evade justice when such cases are reported to the authorities.

These estates have a high concentration of AirBnB facilities, which have been identified as sites where such crimes are committed, often going unnoticed and unpunished.

Acting Kisumu City Manager, Mr Abala Wanga, confirmed the prevalence of the vice, attributing its rise partly to unregulated AirBnB operations in the city. “I banned the business of AirBnBs and wanted them registered afresh. But the provincial administration is not helping much in cracking down on this vice. We must close, control, and regulate these AirBnB businesses to protect our children from sexual exploitation,” he said.

Mr Wanga expressed his commitment to tackling the issue and called on members of the public and the provincial administration to support efforts to curb the increasing child sexual exploitation associated with AirBnBs in Kisumu. He noted that many AirBnBs were being used by criminals as safe havens.

The investigation also revealed that both physical and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children are rampant in the city and on the rise.

Child protection organisations in the region disclosed that online child sexual live streaming has become a booming business in Kisumu, with perpetrators targeting vulnerable children using cheap inducements.

“Some of these people give their victims Sh2,000 for nude photos, while others are given freebies, phones, or taken on treats after exposing themselves in live-streamed shows beamed to potential clients in Europe and other parts of the world,” a source confided.

The organisations noted that the business is so lucrative that perpetrators often use children to recruit and groom others into the practice.

Most of the victims are from the slums of Obunga, Nyalenda, and Manyatta, as well as middle-class areas such as Migosi, Mamboleo, and Tom Mboya.

“When children come forward to complain, they are often blackmailed, which can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, or withdrawal. The police demand hard evidence, and it’s becoming difficult to rely solely on the children’s word. This makes obtaining justice extremely challenging,” another source explained, requesting anonymity for security reasons.

The investigation also found that children’s homes and street children have become primary targets for sexual exploitation. In one case, a Kisumu businessman allegedly sexually exploits street children whom he employs in his premises.

“These children told us that after work, they watch pornographic content with their master on his laptop, and he then sexually abuses them. This has become a common routine,” revealed a source.

Additionally, some clubs in Kisumu have reportedly become dens for child sexual exploitation, a practice that appears to be growing.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili condemned the situation and pledged action. “This is a sad situation that must be contained. We cannot allow this to go on unchecked. We are going to do something, definitely,” he said.

By Habil Onyango

Four candidates have been shortlisted for tomorrow (Thursday) Speaker election for Homa Bay County Assembly.

Among the four is the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Mr Polycap Okombo, who is seen as the government’s preferred candidate.

Others are Dozzel Tennor Orwa, Boniface Onyango Owino, and Innocent Masara Otieno.

The seat fell vacant after the resignation of Julius Gaya.

The seat had initially attracted 13 applicants; however, only four were shortlisted for the final exercise.

The four were shortlisted after returning their nomination application forms on time.

According to an advertisement in one of the dailies dated 14 November 2024, completed nomination papers with detailed curriculum vitae of the candidates were to be submitted to the Office of the Clerk at the County Assembly Building at least 48 hours before the House sitting, and not later than 9:30 am on 19 November 2024. These submissions were to be accompanied by the names and signatures of at least two Members of the County Assembly who supported the candidate, along with a declaration by them that the candidate was qualified and willing to serve as Speaker of the County Assembly.

According to communication from the Assembly’s Clerk’s Office, the seat had also attracted other aspirants, including Jairus Owino Ogondi, Polycarp Rachuonyo, Ojijo Zachayo Ogola, Shem Onyango, David Ronald Ngala, Apolo John, Thomas Otieno, Julius Otieno Juma, and Ezra Odondi Owino, who failed to submit their nomination forms.

The County Acting Clerk, Hannington Ochieng Day, stated that the elections would commence on Thursday at 9:30 am at the Assembly premises. “The election of the Speaker is slated for Thursday, 21 November 2024, from 9:30 am during a special sitting. This is in accordance with the provisions of Article 178 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the Homa Bay Assembly Standing Orders,” reads the communication.

Mr Okombo, who currently serves as the County Executive Member for Trade and Investments, may have an upper hand due to support from the County Executives, led by Governor Gladys Wanga.

Gaya resigned from the Speaker’s position amid a censure motion by Members of the County Assembly. Once elected, the incoming Speaker will be the fifth one after the first Speaker, Samwel Ochillo, followed by Elizabeth See, Bob Kephas, and finally, Gaya since the onset of devolution.

It is, however, not clear why Gaya had to be impeached, as no impeachment motion has yet been made available to the public. Upon his resignation, Gaya expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the House as the third Speaker, having been elected on 21 September 2022.

Gaya had previously served as the Central Karachuonyo MCA for two terms under the tenure of former County Governor Cyprian Awiti before being elected Speaker. He dropped his third quest for the Central Karachuonyo MCA position in support of the election of the current Governor, Gladys Wanga, and was subsequently rewarded with the Speaker’s seat.

According to Majority Leader Richard Ogindo, out of the 54 Members of the County Assembly, a majority of 53 had already signed the petition supporting Gaya’s impeachment motion. “On behalf of all members, I would like to appreciate our former Speaker, Hon Julius Gaya, for the brave move he has undertaken by handing in his resignation letter,” said Ogindo. “Out of 54 members, only one member was against the petition to remove him from office. By deciding to resign, he made the best move before this House could table the impeachment motion against him,” added the Majority Leader.

Gaya took over from former Speaker Elizabeth See. After defeating his archrival, the former Gwassi North MCA Evance Marieba, he was elected as Speaker, garnering 40 votes out of a possible 54.

Ends…