The Rose Foundation organised a walk from Mombasa to Nairobi (483km) to create awareness and raise funds. The walk took place from 21st February-12th March 2016.
Two young Kenyan men, Ian and TJ, walked from Mombasa to Nairobi, with stopovers along the major towns on the way to create awareness.
As a son of my mother, and younger brother to my sister, and nephew to aunties, and friend to many women and girls who’ve always cared for me and loved me, it’s not hard for me to picture any one of them as victims of domestic violence. We all need love, but we also need dignity and our rights to be respected and protected jealously by each other. I am doing this because I believe as a human race, children of one God, we have a responsibility to each other, and I know if the situation was changed, someone else would have raised their voice and taken this walk for me. Thomas Rajula aka TJ, Age: 31 in March, Profession: Writer
I am a music teacher by profession. Teaching violin and piano for beginners. I have a crazy passion for giving opportunities and a voice to those without. I have a journey and dreams that I hope to fulfil but they are nothing if 1. God is not front, centre and back and 2 . If they don’t help someone who can’t help themselves. Ian Lai, Age: 22, Profession: Music Teacher
The walk campaign goals included:
- Raising public awareness about the extent of the problem of intimate-partner violence
- Men’s role in ending violence
- Providing accurate information and dispelling myths and stereotypes about intimate-partner violence
- Changing public opinion about intimate partner violence
The walk campaign was extremely successfully, reaching a large number of people through public events in Mombasa, Voi, Machakos and Nairobi and through the media.
In Voi, the Taita Taveta County Government supported a public event attended by among others Deputy Governor Hon. Mary Ndiga kibuka, the Taita Taveta Women’s Representative in the National Assembly Hon. Joyce Lay and former Voi Mayor Joan Mjomba. The leaders called for unity in dealing with gender based violence in the County.This follows increasing rates of the vice being reported that have had Taita Taveta being ranked third nationally in prevalence of GBV cases.
In Wundanyi, the Rose Foundation founder Esther Kisaghu met with Governor Eng. John Mruttu and held discussions on preventative measures against Domestic Violence.
In Machakos, an awareness event at the Machakos junction was hosted by Hon Dr. Susan Musyoka, the Machakos Women’s Representative in the National Assembly, the County Government of Machakos /GBV Secretariat and Rose Foundation.
On arrival in Nairobi, Ian, TJ, the Rose foundation and supporters marched to Kenya’s high court where they were privileged to meet and hold discussions on Domestic Violence with Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga at the Supreme Court.
He reiterated the importance of men embracing their feminist masculinity, saying, “Embracing feminist masculinity is not just about men who change diapers and make beds. It is about men being in the forefront in the fight for equality. It is about raising men who will not brutalise women and children.”
“By undertaking the walk, Ian and Thomas are indicators of how the entire society is supposed to change, where men stand against gender violence.”
The walk culminated with a Candlelit Vigil to honour the victims who have lost their lives to Domestic Violence was on 12th March 2016, at the International Christian Centre (ICC Church) on Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
Funds were raised through donations from individuals, foundations, corporations and event sponsors.
The public followed the walk progress through Social Media.
Media Coverage
Daily Nation:
“Let’s all speak out against domestic violence”
Boston University:
Fighting Domestic Violence in Kenya
WTV: Shujaa Ep 16 Domestic Violence
Thank You!
We thank most sincerely all those who supported Ian and TJ, and the Rose Foundation.
We are deeply grateful to:
Nakumatt Holdings, Eka Hotel, Serena Hotels, and The Boma Hotel
The Anglican Church of Kenya: The Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius Kalu, (ACK Mombasa), The Rt. Rev. Dr. Samson M. Mwaluda (ACK Taita Taveta) Bishop Kiletu (ACK Kibwezi), Rev Mwaita (ACK Taita Taveta) Rev. Gunga (ACK Mazeras) Rev. Remson Ngao (ACK Taru).
Nairobi Baptist Church: Rev. Majid Ochieng, Rev. E. Weru, Pastor Mueni Wambua.
International Christian Centre: Bishop Philip Kitoto.
Kenya Police (Traffic): Asst. I. G J. Muthoni, C.I Njuguna – Mombasa, B.C Wanyonyi – Voi, B.C Kameli – Athi, B.C Njue – Sultan Hamud, B.C Ali – Machakos, B.C Kurgat – Mtito Andei, B.C Mutungi, Nairobi area, B.C Nyasili – Salama, Constable Salat – Makindu.
Kenya Wildlife Service, Tsavo: Mr Kitili Mbathi, Director General, Mr. R. Obrien, Mr. D. Too.
The Chief Justice of Kenya: Dr. Willy Mutunga.
Hon. Mary Kibuka (Taita Taveta County Government), Hon Joyce Lay (Taita County), Hon. Dr. Susan M. Musyoka (Machakos County), Sauti ya Wanawake – Taita Taveta, Machakos County GBV Committee through the chair Vexina Mueni.
Pure Aroma Music & Movie Creations, Detail Eye Design, Pure Design.
Media: Daily Nation, Radio Citizen/ Fred O Machoka, Adelle Onyango.
Teardrops
Prof. Humphrey Ojwang, Nairobi University.
And all of you who extended a helping hand towards this walk.
God bless you all.
