| issue no.10 | 1

Towards a safe and secure

p.4 Alternative dispute Tapping into resolution: Solution to peaceful wisdom of coexistence elders for peace and security

p.15

Red flag raised over reorganising of militia groups in Mt Elgon 2

About the Jamii Contents Council of Clerics leads team of elders Thabiti Programme 3 in resolving border conflict

The Jamii Thabiti Programme is about Alternative dispute resolution: Solution improving community security and safety. It 4 intends to reduce levels of criminal violence, to peaceful coexistence inter-communal violence and violence against women and girls by working with authorities, Council of elders challenged to protect service providers and civil society organisations 6 women and girls at national and county levels. The Programme will build on the achievements of improved legislation and police accountability How Zeinab Ali carved her niche as well as new peace and security architecture 8 mediating conflict in and Wajir at the county level. It will provide a more people- centred, long-term approach to peacebuilding, County to establish one stop police reform and community security. 10 centre for child violation cases

International support Law at a crossroads in child to child Jamii Thabiti Programme is being supported by 11 sexual violence the United Kingdom through the Deaprtment for International Development (DFID). It is being implemented by Coffey International Women peace builders countering in partnership with 30 organisations working 12 violent extremism closely with the Government of Kenya, including both national and county level institutions. Breaking the silence on violence key for 14 partners Objective of the Programme Jamii Thabiti will ensure a measureable Red flag raised over reorganising of improvement in the ability of national and 15 county level institutions to tackle violence militia groups in Mt Elgon against women and girls, crime and inter- communal conflict, resulting in improved safety and security institutions at the national level and in eight counties of , , Kilifi, , , Baringo, Wajir and Mandera. The anticipated programme results include Editorial team effective response to conflict and insecurity; improved policing; reduced gender based Arthur Okwemba Writers Design & Layout: violence and better crime statistics. Executive Director Joyce Chimbi Vieve Omnimedia Jane Godia Faith Muiruri Mananging Editor Jane Godia Ruth Omukhango Ruth Omukhango Programme Manager Odhiambo Orlale Liz Makhungu

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conflict.

The Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics has conducted various activities through Jamii Thabiti Programme with the aim of improving communities’ capacities in addressing inter- communal conflicts.

“Some of these interventions have been geared towards addressing the inter-ethnic conflict between the Chonyi and Kauma communities over the Ngombeni–Vyambani boundary,” says Mary Mwangi, a Programme Manager at the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics. She explains: “The conflict was previously directed to governmental institutions for resolution without much success.”

Voice of reason

“The conflict has raised a lot of concerns both at the county and the national level

A Chonyi religious leader addressing a meeting organised by the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics to hence Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics address the border dispute between Chonyi and Kauma communities. photo: courtesy of cicc was given the responsibility of ensuring that this matter is resolved using the inter-ethnic dialogue strategy,” says Mwangi. She adds: Council of Clerics “The religious leaders are taking a leading role in this process so as to be the voice of reason to their communities as they strive to leads team of elders in see this matter resolved.” The forums target elders from both communities but have brought on board resolving border conflict youth and women to be part of the conflict resolving process. By Jamii Thabiti Writer on sight even after the Coast Regional Commissioner Nelson Marwa promised “Through these on-going deliberations, he conflict over the Ngombeni– that the national government was going to the elders agreed to nominate a few of Vyambani boundary that lies between mediate and bring the issue to a peaceful the council members to sit in the dialogue Tthe Chonyi and Kauma communities conclusion. forums together with religious leaders, has been going on for almost 30 years. women and youth as well as civil society Promoting reconcilliation organisations working in the area and ward Going as far back as 1988 when the Electoral administrators in resolving the matter,” Commission of Kenya was drawing out However, with the Jamii Thabiti Programme explains Mwangi. She notes: “This team will constituency boundaries and Bahati was of improving community security and act as the steering committee for all the hived off Ganze Constituency, the two dealing with inter-ethnic conflict, a small processes until the matter is resolved.” communities have known no peace. The light is shining at the end of the tunnel. fact that the electoral body changed the A series of dialogue forums are expected Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC), a traditional boundary has remained a bone to be held which will be a build-up of one Jamii Thabiti partner working in of contention and the two communities activity to the other for the purposes of is trying to bring the two communities have been at loggerheads ever since. The maintaining momentum until a lasting result together to bring to an end the protracted protracted conflict that has seen no end is achieved. JT

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One of the elders giving his views on the Mabanga Peace Agreement at KIE Hall as others listen keenly in a meeting hosted by Jamii Thabiti partners among other key stakeholders in . photo: Courtesy of Community for development sustainability Alternative dispute resolution: Solution to peaceful coexistence By Jane Godia mediation, peace keeping and resolve communities where they live. In Kenya, issues that exist at that level. They play a the Council of Elders have been known n 2008 as Kenya was rewriting its critical role in peace building, mediation to intervene with success where there constitution, the role of elders in and conflict resolution.” has been an impasse especially one that alternative dispute resolution was raised. I threatens peace and security. They use Voice of the community Parliament discussed the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms elders as people who make up the informal It’s these elders from every village that end as enshrined in the Constitution for governance systems and structures work in up forming the Council of Elders within negotiation and mediation but use cultural communities across the country. communities where they belong. They are appendages. viewed as custodians of culture and voice One Member of Parliament stated: “Elders It’s for this reason, that the Jamii Thabiti of the community, hence seen as the ones are important and cannot be ignored Programme partners have included Council with the wisdom to guide the people and because they resolve all conflicts in the of Elders as an important constituency have the ability to advice on how society or villages and within the community. In parts who must be roped in when addressing a particular people should live. where there are no police stations or courts, community safety and security. elders are the custodians of law.” The Council of Elders has an upper hand Emmanuel Were, a in resolving disputes that occur within PAGE 5>> He reiterated: “They are the ones who do programme officer with

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<< FROM PAGE 4the Community for Development Sustainability, a Jamii Thabiti downstream partner in Bungoma County, says they are working with councils of elders through the Problem Driven Interactive Approach to address issues of peace and security in the region.

“There are a lot of issues underground that threaten peace and security in Bungoma County. We are engaging elders from the five major communities in the county to come up with an agreement that will see sustainable peace prevail,” explains Were.

The five dominant communities in Bungoma include the Bukusu, Tachoni, Sabaot, Teso and Batura. The political affiliations in the country, especially during this Emmanuel Were, Programme officer at Community for Development Sustainability has been at the forefront electioneering period have seen divisions in getting the elders from Bungoma to reassess the Mabanga Peace Agreement. photo: george ngesa leading to heightened tension in the county. and Conflict Management came together to The Mabanga Peace Agreement is an Political dynamics reinforce implementation of the Mabanga important Alternative Dispute Resolution In relation to the two coalitions that are Peace Agreement. They noted that the mechanism and will only work if the elders dominant, the Sabaot have been seen to devolved system of governance under the charged with ensuring its implementation be leaning towards Jubilee while all the new constitution was threatening peace avoid taking partisan position. Currently others communities are pro-NASA. by creating a new type of human-resource it’s noted that elders and key players in based conflict. the discussions and negotiations for the “These political dynamics cannot be Mabanga Peace agreement have become Were notes: “There are fears and suspicions underestimated because already the partisan and politicised an otherwise noble among the Sabaots who feel left out in the Sabaot are calling to cede from the alternative dispute resolution mechanism new political dispensation and note that larger Bungoma County. Mapped by for and a model for negotiated democracy that jobs are not equitably distributed among constituencies, the Sabaot want to come would have worked well for the communities the communities in Bungoma.” up with their own county,” says Were. in Bungoma ad neighbouring Trans Nzoia counties. He explains: “Through our meeting which Common agenda is a build up to the Mabanga Peace Accord The consortium called for the county The success of the Mabanga Peace of 2011, we agreed on a social contract government and assembly in Bungoma and Agreement lies in political and social on how to come up with solutions and a Trans Nzoia to pursue a common agenda goodwill of the communities and county memorandum.” that would celebrate diversity and promote governments. The elders must also be trained in mediation skills which In December 2016, Community for intra and inter-ethnic peaceful co-existence they lack, networking, arbitration, early Development Sustainability, Rural Women and cohesion. warning system, reporting procedures Peace Link and Catholic Justice and In a statement they said: “We are seeking for complaints, disputes and conflicts. Peace Commission, who are Jamii Thabiti political goodwill and support from the They also need skills building on conflict downstream partners as well as Free governors of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia prevention, conflict management, conflict Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK), counties by having them append their resolution, conflict transformation and Agency for Corporation and Research signatures on the social contract in good peace building. JT Development (ACCORD), National faith as a sign of commitment to the peace Steering Committee for Peace Building and cohesion agenda.”

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By Jane Godia Council of elders he Luo Council of Elders are the custodians of law and culture within the community. While many are male challenged to protect Tdominated the Luo Council of Elders has incorporated women. women and girls The elders give directions on matter relating to the members and often intercede where things are bound to affect unity.

Some of the areas where the Luo Council of Elders has intervened and made a mark in defending widows and orphans on matters of succession and wife inheritance.

In recognition of their noble standing in the community, Gender Technical Working Group, which is a Jamii Thabiti partner in , recognised this role noting that they have an influence in dealing with management and prevention of violence against women and girls.

Incest is an abomination

Kisumu County has been noted to have many cases of violence against women and girls with defilement and incest being in the lead. However, according to Luo traditions and cultural practices it’s an abomination for father or uncle to have carnal knowledge of a daughter or niece.

It against this backdrop that the Gender Technical Working Group held a two day sensitisation meeting with the Luo Council of Elders to find ways in which the community could deal with cases of violence against women and girls.

The Jamii Thabiti Programme has identified elders as goodwill ambassadors in addressing violence against women and girls because they can help change perceptions towards the vice.

The Programme is hence building the capacity of the council elders to enable them use existing statutory laws to arrive at resolutions and allow for those whose Winnie Ogot, during the training for Luo Council of Elders organised in Kisumu County by the Gender redress is not enough to use judicial systems. Technical Working Group. Photo: courtesy of the gender techical working group Speaking at the training for PAGE 7>>

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Council of elders challenged top protect women and girls

<< FROM PAGE 6 the Luo Council of Elders, Betty Okero of the CSO-Network said Jamii Thabiti recognized the crucial role that they could play towards ending violence against women and girls. She noted the value and importance of elders, religious leaders and women coming together in one voice to talk about peace and condemn violence.

Okero noted: “Although the Luo Council of Elders does not have as much authority as they did in the past, they have the responsibility of working towards regaining the respect they have lost over the years.” She challenged the elders to be honest in solving issues and avoiding politicising the institution which had led to them losing part of the standing they had in the community.

“The objective of this training is to enable Act and the Succession Act. She said: “All Dorothy Awino, a member of the Luo Council of us find ways of protecting women and girls cultural structures in place must conform to Elders, during the training organised in Kisumu County by the Gender Technical Working Group. against violence at the community level as the Constitution and respect human rights” Photo: courtesy of gender techical working group well as strengthen the Council of Elders to She encouraged the elders to try and solve perform its mandate,” said Okero. succession cases and disputes on communal The elders were taken through the Luo land out of court. However, she told them traditional practices in reference to their that rape, defilement and incest are criminal 1.There is need for the council to mandate. They were also taken through what offences which must be sorted out in court. talk to the youth and children to entails harmful traditional practices, definition Harmful practices prohibited provide guidance on what is right of gender, difference between gender and or wrong. sex, changing gender roles, gender based Ingutiah made them elders understand that violence and women’s rights. They were also the Constitution prohibits harmful cultural 2.Elders should do away with bad able to talk about the changing gender roles practices like female genital mutilation, or retrogressive cultural practices in modern society and the role they can play child marriage, wife inheritance and widow such as widow cleansing and wife in shaping the younger generation. cleansing among others. She challenged inheritance which are also forms them about protecting women and girls from of violence against women. The elders were told that widows suffer all forms of abuse. most in cases of disinheritance especially 3.There is a need to revive community pertaining to land. There was need for the On community response and protection, advisory and traditional teaching Council of Elders to take care of widows and prevention and accountability, the council sessions organised by elders to children and to safeguard their rights. of elders explored the different structures in help impart positive knowledge to place that can support their work. the youth and adolescents as well Jacqueline Ingutiah, an advocate of the as the entire community. High Court took elders through the legal In the end, it was agreed that for the Luo 4.Elders need to adopt alternative frameworks that included the bill of rights, Council of Elders to be effective, there are dispute resolution mechanisms Children’s Act, Extraterritorial Offences Act, various things that must be put in place to end since not all matters should go to Matrimonial Property Act, Sexual Offences violence against women and girls. JT court. Act, Protection Against Domestic Violence

| issue nO.10 8 How Zeinab Ali carved her niche mediating conflict in Mandera and Wajir

By Abjata Khalif between warring Ajuran and Degodia communities in that led roving peace ambassador at large to permanent ceasefire agreement for communities in North Eastern signed between the warring clans Kenya, Zeinab Ali played crucial A who were fighting over a strip of land roles in midwifing peace deals and situated between Wajir North and Eldas bringing warring communities together in constituencies of Wajir County. Wajir and Mandera. End to conflict She is among the few Somali women from Northern Kenya who joined women She also played lead role in pacifying from Wajir led by late peace trailblazer a violent situation between two Somali Dekha Ibrahim in pursuing conservative clans of Murule and Garreh in Mandera clan elders and convincing them to join County. The two clans were fighting Zeinab Ali, is a peace ambassador who has gone through all the counties in northern Kenya pacifying violent situations. PHOTO: peace activities spearheaded by women over a watering point with each clan abjata khalif peace activists. illegally procuring a cache of arms from neighbouring Somalia and even hiring Their action led to community members militias from acroos the border to assist like youth, girls and women joining ranks them claim their position and in the inter I participated in the with women peace ambassador and clan strife. activists in forcing elders to drop their radio programme and conservative position and joining peace Ali has spent many years trying to end reminded the community quest that led to signing of Al-Fatah clan conflicts in her native how women came forward Peace Accord. County, and her efforts are bearing fruit. and brought a solution to conflict when elders were Women’s role in peace building Tired of the numerous armed conflicts fanning violence and the in Northern Kenya where youthful tribal The agreement defined peace activities youth were used in causing militias roam; stealing, pillaging and in northern Kenya and brought women to bloodbath. This helped in disrupting movement of people and the centre of peace efforts in the region ensuring they were articulate goods, she decided that this must come and beyond as is enshrined in the United to a stop. issues affecting northern Nations Security Resolution 1325. The Kenya landmark security resolution recognises She began by mobilising women from the — Zeinab ali, peace ambassador the important role that women play in various clans and together they crafted a peace keeping ad peace building efforts. way of engaging the warring communities and bringing them to the Ali played crucial role in mediating peace

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peace negotiating table where issues “I know the potential held by women that fanned conflicts were ironed out. and youth. I participated in the radio programme and reminded the community “It was difficult bringing them together how women came forward and brought because even the women were abusing a solution to conflict when elders were and accusing each other. I decided to fanning violence and the youth were focus on the fact that their sons were used in causing bloodbath,” explains Ali. dying and hence the urgency to stop “This helped in shaping public opinion the madness,” says Ali who is also the and ensuring they were engaged in chairperson of the peace committee. political leadership at county and National Before such interventions, there was Assembly to articulate issues affecting no solution to the conflicts as each clan northern Kenya.” supported and armed its militia making Ali notes that the cultural system ignored peace-making efforts difficult, with elders them when they were searching for playing the role of instigators rather than peace and only participated in the peace being peace makers and mediators. talks when communities endorsed the Formation of peace building peace process spearheaded by women. committees “They were forced to support the peace Once they were mobilised, the women process after seeing immense community from the warring clans decided they support towards the women led process,” would be meeting once a day during says Ali. which time they would come up with She reiterates: “We want women to learn ideas to bring the warring sides together. from the women-led peace process.”Ali’s They formed an inter-communal women PHOTO: efforts to bring peace may be undermined Zeinab Ali, is a peace ambassador who has gone through all the counties in northern Kenya pacifying violent situations. peace building committee that would abjata khalif by the fact that some of the youth used as engage the community and reaching out combatants during armed conflict cannot to the armed youths who were waging a continue with their education due to lack bloody conflict. of school fees. The agreement defined “I knew that if I talked to the women from Education key to ending peace activities in northern the various clans, we would find a solution radicalisation Kenya and brought women despite the differences and grudges that to the centre of peace efforts were fuelling the violence,” explains Ali. She says bursaries are not reaching in the region and beyond as needy cases which undermine their She managed to convince the women to is enshrined in the United purpose. A lot of poor but bright students help stop the violence by demobilizing Nations Security Resolution are wasting away in the villages yet the armed youth and leave outstanding 1325. The landmark security government has provided money for issues to a broader committee that would resolution recognises the such cases. important role that women be formed by the two warring clans. play in peace keeping ad She notes that only through social Empowering women through peace building efforts. justice can some of the problems facing radio the region such as armed conflicts, be Ali got an opportunity to participate in eradicated. JT radio programmes to empower women and youth because she knew the influence of the two constituencies.

| issue nO.10 10 Kilifi County to establish one stop centre for child violation cases By Liz Makhungu

lans are underway to have KSh10 million Child Protection Unit constructed PKilifi County. The Child Protection Centre will be the place for children who have been violated to go to and they will be able to get counselling, medication and legal redress.

County Director of Children Affairs George Migosi said the KSh10 million project undertaken by Plan International will be a one stop centre equipped with facilities to address issues related to violation of children. “The construction of the centre will take six months to complete and the contractor is already on site. The facility has been donated to us by Plan International in efforts towards The Gender Desk at Kilifi Police Station. Plans are underway for Kilifi County to have a one stop centre for addressing the plight of boys and girls who dealing with child violation cases. Photo: jane godia have faced any form of physical or sexual abuse,” explained Migosi. reported. It had a total of 2,134 cases that He said poverty and child neglect by parents One stop shop for children were reported compared to Rabai Sub-county was the reason the county continued to The Child Protection Unit will have desks which had the least reported cases at 134 record a soaring number of abuses. He also for the police, medical and legal officers to cases,” explained Migosi. pointed out that boda boda riders were still a hindrance to efforts to end the problem enable timely action taken on cases that are He termed the high number of reported reported. and called on the community in Kilifi to take cases in as a breakthrough since charge of the situation. “We are optimistic that this problem will get the community has broken the silence. This proper redress which has not been there over means progress is being made on efforts to “Hardly a day passes by without a case of child the years,” he said. address child abuse. pregnancy being reported. Underage children are becoming young mothers and fathers in a The assistance from Plan has been noted as Alarm raised trend that is worrying,” said Migosi. He added: timely taking into consideration the soaring However, Migosi raised alarm over the “This can only be solved through a people number of child violation cases that have number of underage sexual abuse cases centred approach.” been received by the children’s office within and reiterated that the community must also the last one year. Kilifi County police commander Waciira speak out about these cases. Mathenge called on the community to support “Between June last year and June this year, “For the last one year, we recorded 89 cases of police efforts in addressing cases of child we have recorded 7,678 cases of child abuse child marriages, 321 cases of defilement and abuse. with child negligence by the parents topping 182 cases of child pregnancy. Ganze topped the category of abuses,” he said. “Remember every police station has a gender with 48 cases of child pregnancy followed by and children’s desk where we capture these Statistics at the County Children’s Officeshow Malindi which had 44 cases,” Migosi said. cases. We need the community at large that child negligence is still a big problem in Malindi topped the list of sub-counties with the to support us as we pursue these cases,” the county as it forms 70 percent of all child highest number of defilement cases where Mathenge said. abuse cases. it had recorded 120 cases by June. Malindi He also noted the challenge where witnesses “We had a total of 4,091 cases of child and Magarini topped with 20 cases of early fail to appear in court. “For this reason many negligence, with Malindi Sub-county leading marriages. cases are thrown out by the courts for lack of with the number of cases that have been Soaring number of cases evidence.” JT

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same age as in the case of Ngige and Mweni, this is considered defilement and often the boy takes the blame even where he might be younger than the girl.

This has prompted some quarters to change the narrative and to ensure that it is not a guarantee that the sword will fall on the boy.

There are petitions in court to ensure that in cases of defilement among children, it is not necessarily automatic that the boy takes the blame, but the older among the two children should take responsibility.

Contradiction in law

Girls remain most vulnerable to sexual violence including from boys who the law defines as children During the training, issues of defilement making access to justice a challenge. Photo joyce chimbi took centre stage as journalists queried a seeming contradiction between law and policy when addressing the issue of Law at a crossroads in child children in conflict with the law. Statistics by the Centre for the Study of to child sexual violence Adolescents indicate the mean age of sexual debut as 12 years yet Section 8 and By Joyce Chimbi Child (AWC) Feature Service for journalists 11 of the Sexual Offences Act criminalizes based in under the Jamii Thabiti consensual sex between children. hen Teddy Ngige* was taken to Programme. court for having sex with a minor, The Penal Code is categorically clear Wthe girl’s family had every reason “Mweni’s case is one among many. We are that sexual knowledge of those under the to believe it would be an open and shut having a major crisis in our courts today age of 18 years is a crime. However, the case, after all, Julia Mweni* was only 15 in instances where children are in conflict National Sexual and Reproductive Health while Ngige was 17 years old. with the law,” said Mary Njeri, a lawyer Policy 2015 seeks to provide access to present during the training. However, the case came with many contraceptives for adolescents. twists and turns as Mweni stood by her Crimes committed by minors “Policy cannot supersede existing law, ‘boyfriend’ claiming to love him and even a policy though crucial is an expression Children in conflict with the law are those threatening to commit suicide if anything of desire, a strong recommendation and under 18 years who come into contact bad happened to him. that is why policies can be very long even with the justice system. Most of the crimes 30 pages from which just one section of Fearing that the girl might make true her committed by minors are known as ‘status law can be derived,” Njeri explained. She threats, the case was withdrawn. However, offences’ and are not considered criminal added: “A policy can only succeed where this is not a unique case as there are when committed by adults such as a law in that specific issue does not exist.” many cases of child to child sexual abuse. engaging in sexual activity. But even where the case has not been Njeri advised the journalists to do due Njeri was training on the Magnitude withdrawn, challenges abound on how diligence in addressing these cases while and Extent of Violence against Women to address cases of children who have also noting that increased coverage of and Girls as well as the legal and policy engaged in consensual sexual. such issues can significantly contribute responses in place to address these to creating awareness that sustainable Mweni’s story was told during a recent crimes. When the court is confronted by workshop held by the African Woman and cases whereby both parties are of the solutions are needed. JT

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Women peace builders and other activists campaigning against violent extremism in Wajir County. PHOTO: ABJATA KHALIF Women peace builders countering violent extremism By Abjata Khalif many others traumatised. Wajir is the first county orthern Kenya has borne the in Kenya to use a new In Mandera town, non-locals have been brunt of violent extremism with model of women engaging attacked twice in incidents that left several Nblood thirsty terrorists targeting conservative cultural young men dead. important infrastructure and strategic system in bringing peace Experiences differ areas where they intend to register mass and making community casualties and deaths. appreciate the role of However, such gory attacks have not been registered in Wajir County which A case in point is the attack targeting women in peace making and also shares the border with Somalia and vehicles plying the Mandera-Wajir negotiations. Ethiopia. Wajir security situation indicates route where terrorists hijacked vehicle they have experienced small scale before ordering passengers to identify terrorist attacks. themselves based on their religious belief. Such attacks have been experienced in other towns like Garissa where terrorists Local security agents and development In the ensuing callous act they killed targeted Garissa University College and experts attribute this situation to the several innocent people and ordered other killed 142 students in an incident that left robust community passengers to board the bus and leave. PAGE 13 >>

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Women in peacebuilders countering violent extremism in Wajir

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Communication and media channels Breaking the silence on Conventional Channels a. Print and b. Social media violence key for partners Electronic Media 1. WhatsApp 1. Newspaper 2. Twitter 2. Magazine 3. Instagram 3. Journals 4. Facebook 4. Charts 5. Imo 5. IEC materials such Community as Banners. Fliers, channels stickers, T-shirts, 1. Chiefs baraza Billboards/ 2. Funerals 6. Publications/ ceremonies TV stations in 3. Sports Bungoma 4. Elders forums • West TV. 5. Council of elders • Tandao meeting • TV Magharibi 6. Religious Radio Stations in ceremonies Bungoma 7. Family gatherings • West FM 8. Women chama • Radio Mambo meetings • Nyota FM • Elgon Youth Radio • Radio Mukwano • BK Radio Jamii Thabiti partners discussing how they can highlight issues of violence through various media • Sulwe FM channels. PHOTO: george ngesa However, intervention from the Community By Odhiambo Orlale local radio station, through which they are Development and Sustainability saw them allocated one hour every week to discuss change their mind and agree to meet at the iving visibility to violence issues topical issues with a focus on violence peace negotiation table. remains the biggest challenge facing against women and girls as well as peace and Jamii Thabiti downstream partners in G security. Kinuthia Mbatia from Kimilili District Peace Bungoma County. Committee noted that while mainstream Said Were: “We deal with emerging issues media was good at giving visibility to peace This emerged at a workshop on building and have held several meetings with elders and security issues, their obsession with communication and advocacy skills of from the different communities in Bungoma politicians at the expense of other news organisations and groups working around County on peace and security. We use a sources could be blamed for fanning tension. violence against women and girls on how problem-driven approach to address these to use various communication and media issues.” He added: “We also intended to meet Vincent Omuonyin, Bungoma County channels to give visibility on various forms of the Luo Council of Elders but had to change Coordinator for the National Steering violence and to demand for accountability. at the last minute and instead focused on the Committee on Peace Building and Jamii Thabiti partners in Bungoma included Mabanga Peace Accord where we engaged Conflict Management said their work gets Catholic, Justice and Peace Commission the elders from within Bungoma County on complicated when police focus on dealing (CJPC), Rural Women Peace Link issues that are boiling underground.” with demonstrations instead of their core business of providing security to the public. (RWPL) and Community Development and Elders from the major ethnic communities — Sustainable Organisation (CDSO). They were Bukusu, Sabaot, Tachoni, Batura and Teso — Said Omuonyin: “There are cases of insecurity joined by the National Steering Committee for had signed the Mabanga Peace Agreement in Bungoma County but which are not getting Peace Building and Conflict Management. which Jamii Thabiti partners are now using to the correct visibility because police are not They noted that despite challenges they address issues of peace and security that are providing information.” had in some instances established a cordial emerging. At the end of the training, the partners noted working relationship with local media houses. Following the August 8 General Election, various communication channels they can Emmanuel Were from Community some Sabaot elders felt that they had been use to give visibility to issues of violence. JT Development and Sustainability Organisation, side-lined as a community and wanted to they have a contract with Mukhwano FM, a secede to form their own county.

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He said: “These militia gangs are lethal as they are armed with adequate assorted rifles that pose a challenge to the community.”

Vincent Omuonyin, Regional Coordinator of the National Steering Committee for Peace Building and Conflict Management, noted that the political demonstrations that have been taking place in the county and country at large have seen an increase to criminal activities. “Cases in Mt Elgon have created an alarm because militia gangs are regrouping and these are said to be politically motivated,” said Omuonyin noting that crime in Mt Elgon is a major problem and they have received reports of killings, attacks or robberies from the region. Mt Elgon sub-county where it is said that more than 40 militia groups are hiding posing a challenge of insecurity in the entire Bungoma County. Photo: george ngesa Mercy Jerop of Rural women’s Empowerment Link noted that regrouping of militia in Mt Elgon is an issue of concern. She said: “Women are being accused of Red flag raised over harbouring criminals and even keeping the gun for their sons and husbands.”

“Police are more concerned about quelling reorganising of militia riots than dealing with other criminal activities or handling cases of violence against women and girls,” said Omuonyin. groups in Mt Elgon He added: “Insecurity leaves women By Jane Godia and their dependants vulnerable. When a gang attacks a home, the man flees ith heightened tensions within leaving behind the woman and children.” the current electioneering period, There have been allegations of rape Wso has insecurity increased. In and defilement taking place in Mt Elgon. Bungoma County, the once subdued militia However Omuonyin noted during this time groups are on the rise and fears prevail of heightened political tension access to within the community especially in areas information is a challenge.” that border Uganda such as Mt Elgon region. Kinuthia Mbatia, Secretary of the Kimilili District Peace Committee said people According to Edwin Kilong, a former peace Cases in Mt Elgon are being threatened as per the outcome monitor in Bungoma County and a member have created an alarm of the election results. “They are four of the Kimilili District Peace Committee, because militia gangs are constituencies in Bungoma that are being there are over 42 militia gangs in the county targeted and residents are being accused with majority thriving in the Mt Elgon region. regrouping and these are said to be politically motivated, of betraying the community.

Kilong who was speaking during a training — Vincent Omuonyin, Regional He notes: “People call the administration for Jamii Thabiti Partners on Communication Coordinator of the National Steering asking for amnesty in relations to arms and and Media Skills on how they can give Committee for Peace Building and Conflict Management ammunition while in actual effect they just visibility to violence issues organised by hand over the old guns and keep the new Africa Woman and Child (AWC) Features. ones.” JT

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Know Jamii Thabiti Programme Partners This is a programme being against women and girls in the county. was conducted around the four police implemented in Kenya with It has conducted quarterly community stations of Eldama Ravine, Marigat, about 30 local organisations awareness raising forums on violence and Nginyang. against women and girls. on board. In every Issue, Three out of four schools have been we will be profiling partner In , RHYFE worked on reached to ensure that boys and girls gain emergency election response during knowledge and skills on how to engage organizations. In this issue, the electioneering. It also conducted in dialogue and build their confidence in we profile the following capacity building for police officers who standing up against VAWG. The students man gender desks to strengthen their vowed to be ambassadors of change in partner: skills on handling cases, counselling and helping make a difference on matters referral mechanisms. There have also of violence to ensure girls’ rights are Reproductive Health Youth Friendly been sensitization forums to educate respected. and Environmental Conservation the community on the effects of violence (RHYFE) against women and girls. A consultative meeting for Members of The County Assembly to lobby and Founded in 2011, Reproductive Health Within the short period that RHYFE influence budget allocation to gender Youth Friendly and Environmental has implemented the Jamii Thabiti based violence recovery centres was Conservation (RHYFE) is based in Programme, there are a few notable held and 30 of them attended. The MCAs . achievements that include building were able lobby for budget allocation The organisation was established to the capacity of gender desk police at the county assembly and as well as respond to the needs of the community officers to strengthen their capacity on have 10 acres of land donated for the and youth. handling cases, counselling and referral construction of centre. mechanisms. It has been able to train 30 Within the Jamii Thabiti Programme, the participants — 12 female and 18 male — Despite this among other achievements, focus areas include addressing violence in relation to this. Through collaboration there were several challenges that against women and girls (VAWG) and and skills building RHYFE notes that the RHYFE faced. This included transfer networking with Jamii Thabiti partners in Kenya Police through the sub-county of police officers who had been trained mitigating criminal and inter-communal offices and gender desks are now more as well as other key service providers violence. conversant with following up on cases at various service delivery points. Deep that are reported to ensure justice for rooted cultural beliefs also made it difficult RHYFE’s activities are in Nakuru and survivors. for women to freely express their desire Baringo counties working with four police and decision making. Most of the elected stations within each county identified In collaboration with the Ministry of Health MCAs are new in the county assembly during the baseline survey conducted by through service delivery points police and therefore not conversant with gender the Jamii Thabiti. officers manning gender desks ensure related issues including violence against survivors are treated, counselled and women and girls. In Nakuru RHYFE is supporting the Nakuru cases referred for further investigation. Sexual and Gender Based Violence Ministry of health and the police are There were emerging issues in Nakuru (SGBV) cluster monthly meetings to also ensuring that evidence is properly and Baringo counties during activity advocate for the implementation of preserved and protected. implementation and this included existing laws and policies as well as communities feeling insecure as a result develop an action plan to mitigate GBV in The police officer have also reported of the elections. Separation among the county. It has also held sensitization incidence where the survivor have been couples who are in inter-communal meetings for students in four secondary given protection as provided by the law. marriages due to political tension as well schools to enhance their skills in as cases of displacement due to fears of responding to violence. RHYFE has held a sensitization forum election related violence. . JT 300 — 234 female and 66 male — to RHYFE has also facilitated an inclusive educate the communities on the effects of community dialogue to address violence violence against women and girls which

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