In a significant development regarding gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya, the Republic of Kenya’s Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts and Heritage State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action has announced the deportation of John Nwankwo Noko, a Nigerian national accused of assaulting his Kenyan partner.
The decision to deport Noko follows the release of CCTV footage capturing the assault, which has sparked widespread concerns and discussions regarding GBV within Kenyan society.
The case came to public attention when Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba took proactive steps upon discovering the disturbing footage. Orwoba promptly visited the victim, who confirmed the severity of the situation, expressing fear for her safety and that of her domestic workers.
Subsequently, Senator Orwoba reported the matter to the authorities, leading to the involvement of the offices of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure and Immigration PS Julius Bitok.
Confirming the deportation, Anne Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Gender, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that Noko’s actions not only violated the rights of an individual but also shed light on the broader issue of GBV prevalent in Kenyan society.
Senator Orwoba, known for her staunch advocacy against violence towards women, reiterated the urgency of addressing rising GBV cases, emphasizing the profound physical and emotional toll they exact on victims while also eroding the moral fabric of society.
Taking to social media, Senator Orwoba reiterated her commitment to combating GBV, signaling a zero-tolerance stance towards such acts.
In a related development, five other Nigerian nationals were deported from Kenya due to their involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking. The Immigration department highlighted concerns over deported individuals relocating to neighboring Tanzania and continuing to coordinate criminal activities, posing a persistent challenge to law enforcement efforts in Kenya.