Embakasi East MP Babu Owino condems GBV during an event focusing on family promotion and protection policy on Wednesday at Argyle hotel in Nairobi
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has issued a passionate plea for collective action against gender-based violence (GBV), urging both men and women to reflect on their roles in fostering peaceful and supportive family environments. Speaking at a community event, Owino highlighted the devastating impact of GBV on families and society.
“The monster called gender-based violence affects both men and women. We must ask ourselves: what drives a man to abuse a woman, or a woman to abuse a man? This is a societal problem that needs urgent attention,” Owino said.
The MP noted that many relationships start with love and harmony but often spiral into conflict due to unresolved issues. “What begins as a cozy union sometimes turns into a battleground,” he remarked, attributing the breakdown of marriages to a lack of emotional and spiritual grounding.
Owino identified several types of family conflicts, including sibling rivalry, parent-child disputes, and marital discord. He warned that these conflicts, if left unresolved, often lead to separation, divorce, and even death, leaving children in vulnerable situations. “A disorganized family creates a disorganized society,” he emphasized.
To combat GBV, Owino outlined six pillars of responsibility for men within families:
Prayer and Spiritual Leadership: Men must invite God into their families, praying together to enhance unity and communication.
Provision: Beyond financial support, men must offer emotional sustenance to ensure the well-being of their families.
Protection: Providing a sense of security, both physical and emotional, is crucial.
Purpose: Couples should set shared goals and objectives to build a strong foundation for their families.
Presence: Active participation in family life, rather than mere physical presence, is essential.
Pray and Intimacy: Couples should nurture their relationship to avoid temptations and foster a loving environment. “The Bible commands husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands. These principles are fundamental to a harmonious family,” Owino said.
Owino urged society to address the root causes of family conflict rather than treating its symptoms. He pointed out that children raised in broken homes are more likely to experience trauma, leading to cycles of violence in adulthood. “Children learn by observing. If they see love, they will give love; if they witness violence, they will replicate it,” he said.
Citing statistics, Owino revealed that 80% of prisoners come from broken families, underscoring the link between unstable homes and societal problems. He warned against negative peer influences and unresolved generational issues that perpetuate violence.
The law maker called for collective responsibility in eradicating GBV. “The fight against gender-based violence starts at home. Let us create loving, supportive environments for our children and future generations,” he urged.
Owino’s speech resonates as a powerful reminder of the critical role families play in shaping a peaceful society, calling on all stakeholders to prioritize unity and love in their homes.