Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed concern over a worrying trend in Vihiga County, where men are increasingly reporting abuse at the hands of their wives.
Speaking on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the 37th Jukwaa la Usalama forum held at the County Commissioner’s residence grounds, Murkomen highlighted that gender-based violence in Vihiga takes forms often overlooked elsewhere.
“In some other areas, it is women who are suffering most, but here also men are suffering because there are women who are abusing and beating their husbands,” Murkomen said. He urged communities to acknowledge the issue openly, noting that addressing domestic violence is vital for restoring harmony within families and society.
The CS linked the problem to broader social and economic pressures, particularly land scarcity. Vihiga, a densely populated county, has experienced extensive subdivision of family land over generations, leading to disputes over inheritance, boundaries, and ownership. “Most of these murder cases are linked to family members. Succession disputes and shrinking land continue to fuel conflict,” Murkomen added.
Murkomen also highlighted the growing threat of youth gangs in the county. Groups like the Reggae Boys and Nduthi Culture, initially formed to support social and economic activities for young people, are reportedly transforming into dangerous criminal outfits. He noted that similar groups, including the 42 Brothers, 47 Brothers, and 18 Brothers, are spreading across the wider Western region.
“The spread into villages makes the threat more complex because the gangs are embedding themselves in the community,” Murkomen said, emphasizing the need for long-term security solutions rather than short-term interventions.
As part of the government’s response, Murkomen announced the deployment of additional police officers to Vihiga and neighbouring counties to tackle gang activities. He also urged residents to speak out against gangs despite fears of retaliation, noting that silence from some chiefs and community leaders has allowed the problem to persist.
By addressing both domestic violence and the rise of gangs, Murkomen stressed that community vigilance and proactive law enforcement are critical to safeguarding Vihiga County.
