REPUBLIC OF KENYA

THE PRESIDENCY
MINISTRY OF DEVOLUTION AND PLANNING
STATEMENT BY CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEVOLUTION AND PLANNING ON THE RECENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE CASE AGAINST LIZ October, 31 2013 Violence against women and girls is deplorable and unacceptable The Ministry of Devolution and Planning has noted with great concern a pattern of violence meted against women and girls as was occasioned by the recent case of sexual violence against Liz. Liz is a 16 year old, Standard Seven Pupil who was beaten and gang-raped on her way home from her grandfathers funeral and dumped in a pit latrine in Busia County, Kenya. As the Ministry responsible for gender, we wish to emphasize our conviction and great resolve to end violence against women, girls or indeed any person. Violence cannot be tolerated, in any form, in any context, in any circumstance either in private or public sphere. The Ministry would like to condemn in the strongest terms possible sexual and gender based violence. Further, we ask for speedy conclusion of investigations in the case of Liz. The Ministry through the Directorate of Gender will continue to work tirelessly with other like minded institutions to increase awareness of the causes and consequences of violence and build capacity within and without government to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.

Anne Waiguru, OGW Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Devolution and Planning