THIKA KILLINGS: Men Urged to Choose Dialogue Over Violence

Leaders in Thika have raised alarm over the rising cases of femicide, calling on men to reject violence against women and embrace dialogue as the best way to resolve relationship and domestic disputes.

Speaking during a women's meeting at Kisii Estate in Thika, Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a condemned the growing number of women being killed, saying the disturbing trend has left families and communities living in fear, grief and uncertainty.

The legislator urged men to love, respect and protect women instead of resorting to violence whenever disagreements arise.

“No misunderstanding or disagreement should ever cost someone their life. I urge men to choose dialogue, respect and understanding. Communication should always be the first option whenever challenges arise in relationships,” said Ng'ang'a.

She emphasised that peaceful conflict resolution is key to building stronger families and safer communities.

Echoing her sentiments, community leader Bishop David Ngari described the recent wave of femicide cases as a painful stain on Thika's image, noting with concern that many of the suspects linked to the killings are young men.

“It is heartbreaking that we are losing lives in circumstances that could have been prevented. There is no justification for taking another person's life because of domestic disagreements,” Ngari said.

He urged men facing relationship challenges to seek help from professional counsellors, religious leaders or trusted elders instead of resorting to violence.

“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. Young men must learn to resolve conflicts peacefully and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he added.

The leaders' remarks come amid a series of shocking killings reported in Thika and its surrounding areas in recent weeks.

Last week, a 21-year-old college student was allegedly beheaded by her estranged boyfriend in a case that sent shockwaves across the country. In a separate incident, another woman was found murdered at Biafra Estate in Thika.

About two weeks earlier, another tragedy unfolded when a man attacked members of his family with acid, resulting in deaths of the entire family of four.

The leaders said the rising cases pointed to an urgent need for collective action to address gender-based violence before more lives are lost.

They called on families, religious institutions, community leaders, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to work together to prevent gender-based violence, support victims and survivors and ensure those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.

“Protecting the lives and dignity of women is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. Together, we must build a society where disputes are resolved through dialogue and not violence,” she said.