Assessment reveals worrying status of the elderly

A rapid assessment by NGEC on violence against older persons in Kisii, Narok ,Muranga and Tharaka Nithi counties has revealed perpetrators to be immediate family members with sons assaulting their fathers over land disputes.

In one incident in Gikindu village in Murang’a county, an elderly woman was  raped and the perpetrator was convicted last year to 42 years in jail. Muranga deputy governor Augustine Gakure acknowledged his county government is yet to mainstream issues of elderly persons in their integrated plans but assured NGEC that the matter would be addressed in the next cycle of planning.

It also emerged that most of the violence is fuelled by delayed land and property succession cases as well as allegations of witchcraft. Lynching of elderly persons on suspicion of witchcraft was also noted as a vice gaining trend especially in Kisii county. 

The disturbing fact is that most cases of violence against older persons go unreported and majority of the victims are unaware that they are being abused. The lack of State and non-State actors working on issues affecting the elderly in the society has aggravated the plight of senior citizens as their welfare is systematically neglected.

NGEC will be compiling a report indicating the status of elderly.

Photo:NGEC Staff interact with the elderly during the assessment

Assessment reveals worrying status of elderly