Gov’t Launches 90-Day Raid In Central Region Over Sexual Violence
The Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services has started a 90-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to address escalating rates of child violence in Nyeri, Murang’a, and Tharaka Nithi counties.
Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo announced the idea after a high-level Central Region Security and Child Protection meeting on May 14.
The response seeks to increase interventions against child maltreatment as well as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the region.
“The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services is deeply saddened by the recent incidents involving violence against children reported in Nyeri, Murang’a, and Tharaka Nithi counties,” she stated.
The CS stated that the government is monitoring investigations in Murang’a County following the discovery of two children’s bodies in the Kiama River in Gatanga Sub-County, a male aged around 14 and a girl aged about 9, on May 10.
In Tharaka Nithi County, investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding a reported murder incident involving the recovery of the body of a missing child in Mukothima.
KEY ACTION POINTS FROM THE HIGH LEVEL CENTRAL REGION SECURITY AND CHILD PROTECTION MEETING ON RISING CASES OF SGBV, CHILD ABDUCTION AND MURDER
— CS Hanna Wendot Cheptumo (@hannawcheptumo) May 14, 2026
1. I have directed that a 90-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) be immediately undertaken to intensify interventions against the rising… pic.twitter.com/VcpVL46dhk
There have also been reports of violence against children in Nyeri County.
“The loss of innocent children is painful, distressing and unacceptable,” Cheptumo emphasised.
“These incidents collectively point to a worrying trend involving violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation of children.”
Before adding, “The government remains fully committed to protecting every child as guaranteed under Article 53 of the Constitution and the Children’s Act.”
The Ministry has strengthened coordination between the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), child officers, community security teams, schools and health institutions to enhance child protection surveillance, emergency response and case management.
Cheptumo added that the Ministry is operationalising a 24-hour national child helpline and a WhatsApp reporting line.
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Additionally, the CS announced that a multisector meeting will be held on May 22, focused on understanding the causes of rising cases of violence and developing solutions.
The meeting will convene the ministries of Interior, Education, Health, and Gender, the Judiciary, religious leaders, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), county governments, and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs).
Cheptumo directed all relevant government agencies to work toward declaring the Central Region SGBV-free within the next 11 months through prevention, enforcement and community response measures.
The Ministry reported that 531 cases of violence have been recorded in the region, with 515 pending in court, 10 under investigation, and six awaiting arrest.
It also flagged 680 reported cases of suicide, underscoring that rising cases of violence and abuse against children and among adults remain a serious concern.
Gov’t Launches 90-Day Raid In Central Region Over Sexual Violence
