Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue in Kenya, with recent incidents highlighting its devastating impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. A chilling case in Busia County underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this societal scourge.
A three-month-old baby is recovering at Busia County Referral Hospital after suffering a deep cut on the head during a violent altercation between parents. The child’s mother, Wilifrisha Anyango, recounts how her husband, Collins Ouma, turned a simple disagreement into a horrifying attack. Armed with a slasher, Ouma inflicted injuries on both her and the infant.
The altercation occurred in Nangoma location, where Ouma operates a bar. According to Anyango, his violent tendencies often surface whenever he is in the company of female bar employees. She describes a pattern of abuse spanning years, during which she endured physical assaults while holding onto the hope that her husband would change.
This is not the first time Ouma’s violence has resulted in severe consequences. Anyango revealed that one of their seven children, a five-year-old boy, was disabled after being struck with a hammer by his father. Despite reporting these incidents to village elders and police, justice has been elusive.
“I have scars all over my body, and my child now has scars too. I want the government to take action against him this time,” Anyango said, her voice heavy with despair and exhaustion.
Intervention and Current Safety
The latest incident drew the intervention of patrons from Ouma’s bar, who helped Anyango escape the dangerous situation. With their assistance, she reported the attack to Matayos Police Post, where Ouma was later arrested. The mother and child were initially treated at Matayos Subcounty Hospital before being transferred to Busia County Referral Hospital.
Hospital officials confirmed that the baby is in stable condition and praised the swift response in seeking medical attention. Sammy Obuhuma, the hospital’s focal person for gender-based violence, stated that the facility is providing shelter to the mother and child due to the volatile situation at home.
“We are not just treating the physical wounds. We are also ensuring their safety while providing counseling and support,” Obuhuma said. He emphasized that the hospital has seen a worrying number of GBV cases, a reflection of a broader societal issue.
National Context and Global Perspective
This incident coincides with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running until December 10. Launched in Wote, Makueni County, this year’s theme ‘Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Girls and Women’ resonates deeply in light of the events in Busia.
Globally, gender-based violence statistics are staggering. According to UN Women, every 10 minutes, a woman is intentionally killed by an intimate partner or family member. Additionally, nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner at least once in their lifetime.
Efforts to combat GBV require a multifaceted approach. This includes robust legal responses to hold perpetrators accountable, increasing funding for women’s rights organizations, and creating safe spaces for survivors to rebuild their lives.
A Call to Action
The Busia case is a sobering reminder of the work that remains in combating GBV. The government must ensure that perpetrators face swift justice while supporting survivors like Wilifrisha Anyango. Additionally, increased public awareness and community involvement are crucial in breaking the cycle of violence.
Survivors must be encouraged to report abuse without fear of retribution, and their voices must be amplified. Society owes it to women and children, like those in Busia, to create a future free from the shadow of violence. Only through collective action can the promise of safety and dignity for all be fulfilled.
