As early as 10 am, men and women from all divides gathered at the Nakuru Railway Station, with their voices rising in unison and chanting at the top of their voices, “Let us make love not war”.

Armed with whistles and white handkerchiefs, as the sun shined ever so brightly, they made their way through the city’s bustling streets.

From the Pinkam Roundabout to Sokoni Plaza all through to the road near Jamia Mosque, the crowd made their way to Kenyatta Avenue.

Protestors march in the streets of Nakuru during the peaceful walk marking 16 days of activism on November 25, 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

The march was not just a peaceful demonstration, it marked the start of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).

The Chief Officer Gender, Social Services and Inclusivity, Gladys Kamuren also joined the residents during the peaceful walk.

Ms Kamuren urged people to maintain peace within the households, this being the most basic unit in the society where many GBV cases arise from and she condemned any and all acts of gender-based violence in the county.

“As we start commemorating the 16 days of activism, the county government will be seeking to create awareness and educate people in all the 11 sub counties on this matter,” she says.

In addition, Ms Kamuren says the county has policies that are in advanced stages such as the gender reproduction policy that will help come up with gender centres, that will help in fighting GBV.

Chief officer Gender Gladys Kamuren during the march against GBV on November 25, 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Rafique Mohammed, a Nakuru resident says that the education of youth, women and children should start from the grassroot level with their local leaders to help them understand gender roles and conflict resolution.

“It should not always be a matter of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) coming out and condemning these heinous acts. We should all work together to create awareness on these matters as they are ailing our society,” he says.

Gilbert Macharia says people should be encouraged to speak up when assaulted.

The 16 days of activism will run till December 10.

County, CSOs, condemn rise of GBV cases in Nakuru County

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Bret Sanya