Kirinyaga County Commissioner Calls for Joint Action Against Substance Abuse and Sexual Violence
The County Commissioner urged young people going through difficult times to seek help from parents, guardians and trusted adults instead of resorting to drugs and alcohol.
Photo: Courtesy.
Eve N. Njeri
Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shufaa Mwijuma Omar has called for a united front in tackling rising cases of substance abuse among youth and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the county, urging young people, parents, churches and community leaders to take collective responsibility.
Speaking in Kerugoya during the flagging off of a peace walk organized by the Evangelical Women Alliance (EWA) – a body that brings together female clergy from across Kirinyaga County to champion moral values, peace and social cohesion – Commissioner Mwijuma expressed deep concern over the increasing number of young people trapped in alcohol and drug addiction.
She said many youths were turning to substance abuse as a way of coping with stress, unemployment, family conflicts and other life pressures, warning that the trend was not only destroying their health and future but also contributing to cases of depression and suicide.
The County Commissioner urged young people going through difficult times to seek help from parents, guardians and trusted adults instead of resorting to drugs and alcohol.
“As mothers, we care about our youth. Instead of indulging in alcoholism and drug abuse, if you have an issue bothering you, come and share it with us,” Mwijuma said.
She noted that open communication within families and mentorship from elders and religious leaders could play a critical role in preventing drug abuse and guiding young people toward responsible decision-making.
Mwijuma also challenged parents to be more present in the lives of their children, monitor their movements and peer groups, and create safe spaces where youths can freely discuss their challenges without fear of judgment.
Turning to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, the administrator strongly condemned the rising cases of rape, defilement and other forms of abuse reported in the county, saying such acts violate both the laws of Kenya and religious teachings.
She said it was unacceptable that women and girls continue to suffer sexual violence in their homes and communities, and called on men to take up their role as protectors and responsible members of society.
Mwijuma described reports of defilement involving toddlers and school-going children as particularly heartbreaking and an indictment on the moral fabric of society.
She urged law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, churches and community-based organizations to work together to ensure that perpetrators of SGBV are swiftly arrested, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act.
The Commissioner further called for heightened public awareness campaigns to educate residents about SGBV, its consequences, and the reporting mechanisms available to survivors.
She commended the Evangelical Women Alliance for organizing the peace walk, saying such initiatives are vital in promoting moral values, peacebuilding and social cohesion at the grassroots.
According to EWA, the peace walk was aimed at sensitizing the community on the need to uphold peace, protect the vulnerable, and address social vices that threaten family stability and community development.
Commissioner Mwijuma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with religious institutions, civil society and local leaders to safeguard the welfare of women, girls and youth, and to ensure that Kirinyaga remains a safe and cohesive county for all.
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