The government has raised concern over the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, many of which she says are either unreported or settled illegally through informal community structures.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary (PS) Ann Wang’ombe decried the use of "Kangaroo courts" to handle such sensitive matters, noting that the practice is detrimental to the future and safety of children and vulnerable persons.

On Saturday, Ms Wang'ombe chaired a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Nyeri County Commissioner’s office.

“It is sad that many cases of GBV and femicide go unreported, while others are settled out of court by community elders. This must stop. There is nothing like settling such a matter out of court,” she said.

Ms Wang’ombe said she had directed gender officers across the country to work with officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to map and follow up on such cases for appropriate legal action.

“I sit in the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), where this matter is receiving serious attention,” the PS added.

She noted that she had received permission from Chief Justice Martha Koome to engage the Judiciary on how to effectively tackle GBV and femicide cases.

“Trust me, this is a societal crisis. We must confront it through all available means,” she said.

Ms Wang’ombe thanked President William Ruto for his leadership on the matter, saying he has demonstrated commitment by appointing a 42-member Technical Working Group on GBV to develop practical recommendations.

“The taskforce has conducted countrywide public participation, and we expect its report in the next two(2) weeks. The government has committed significant resources to support this initiative,” she said.

The PS emphasized that a country is judged by how well it protects its most vulnerable, especially women and children.

The Nyeri meeting brought together officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, the County Government of Nyeri, civil society organizations, and members of the clergy.

Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami and Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge were also in attendance.

The stakeholders discussed the rising cases of defilement in Nyeri County and resolved to engage school principals in awareness campaigns targeting students and parents.

“Many children do not know their rights or how to respond when they are inappropriately handled. In most cases, they are defiled by people known to them and are often threatened into silence. This is a major crisis,” Wang’ombe noted.

She called on parents to play a more active role in educating and protecting their children, adding that stigma and silence around GBV must be broken.

“It is unfortunate that some Nyumba Kumi members have not been helpful in this fight. We have disbanded the Nyumba Kumi Council in Witemere area and asked the public to begin selecting new members. We must strengthen our community security systems and reporting mechanisms,” she said.

Ms Wang’ombe emphasized that the multi-agency team is not just condemning the vices, but has resolved to take deliberate, urgent, and coordinated action.

The PS also addressed the growing mental health crisis in the country, particularly among men.

“Mental illness is real, especially among men. This is a conversation we’ve avoided for too long. The pressure from unaddressed issues is contributing to rising cases of suicide and murder,” she observed.

She attributed the situation to societal norms that discourage boys from expressing emotions.

“From a young age, boys are taught to be tough and suppress their feelings. But when life becomes overwhelming, many suffer in silence, until it is too late,” she said, urging the nation to start addressing the issue from the family level.