CS Hannah Cheptumo Raises Alarm Over Rising GBV and Child Abuse Cases in Kenya

By Ayubu John Afrimedia Group news 
       
Hannah Cheptumo has raised concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence, femicide, and abuse against children in Kenya, describing the situation as a growing national crisis that requires urgent action from all sectors of society.
Speaking during a public address on child protection and safeguarding, the CS said the government remains firmly committed to protecting children, women, men, and vulnerable persons from violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and emotional harm.
Cheptumo cited several disturbing incidents that have recently shocked the country, including the case of Rachel Wandeto, who was allegedly doused with petrol and set ablaze because of her political views, the Kilimani killing of a 25-year-old woman stabbed in broad daylight while seeking refuge in a pharmacy, and the Nyamira tragedy where a Form Three student allegedly stabbed by her boyfriend later died.
“These are not iso
lated tragedies, but indicators of a growing national crisis that demands urgent, coordinated and sustained action,” she said.
The CS emphasized that the protection of children and vulnerable persons is both a constitutional obligation and a shared responsibility among families, institutions, communities, leaders, and citizens.
The ministry, she said, is working closely with law enforcement agencies, county governments, development partners, and community organizations to strengthen prevention, rescue operations, rehabilitation, survivor support, and response systems across the country.
Cheptumo announced that the government is strengthening legal and justice mechanisms by fast-tracking prosecutions, enforcing stricter penalties against perpetrators, and ensuring zero tolerance for police inaction in cases involving femicide, child abuse, trafficking, acid attacks, and other forms of violence.
The ministry is also expanding survivor protection services, including safe houses, one-stop crisis centers, rescue facilities, and rehabilitation programs. Mandatory reporting protocols for health workers, teachers, pharmacists, media practitioners, and community leaders are also being strengthened.
In efforts to address the root causes of violence, the CS said the government is rolling out nationwide awareness campaigns against harmful social norms and toxic masculinities while promoting responsible parenting and child safeguarding practices.
She further called for ethical media reporting and responsible digital communication, warning against the spread of unverified information that may interfere with investigations or expose victims and families to further harm.
The public was urged to report cases of abuse, violence, trafficking, missing children, online exploitation, GBV, and femicide immediately through the National Child Helpline 116, the GBV toll-free line 1195, WhatsApp number 0724 888 344, local police stations, sub-county children offices, or national administration offices.
According to the Child Protection Information System, between January 2025 and March 2026, Kenya recorded 10,581 child protection cases. Among them were 6,820 abandonment cases, 1,952 abduction cases, and 173 trafficking cases.
Cheptumo noted that many rescued children had been reunited with their families, adding that child protection remains a core mandate of the ministry.
She concluded by reminding Kenyans that every individual deserves to live freely and safely without fear, stressing that safeguarding children and vulnerable persons must remain a national priority.

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