Garissa MCA to table a motion that will ban use of Maslaha in rape cases

The increased rape cases in North Eastern have been blamed on the Maslaha system (Courtesy)

GARISSA—Fatuma Abdi a nominated member of the Garissa County Assembly has promised to table a motion that will ban the use of Maslaha to resolve rape cases in the region.

Speaking during the International Women’s day celebrations held at Garissa primary school on Thursday, Fatuma said that rapists should be subjected to the laws of the land and punitive punishment bestowed on those found guilty.

“We refuse and condemn use of Maslaha as a form of settling rape cases within our communities. We shall, as women legislators, come together to marshal our like-minded male counterparts to ensure this bill passes without any hitch.” Fatuma said.

She added that elders who have in the long term supported Maslaha will also be brought to book.

“The law we intend to table will also punish elders found to be promoting Maslaha on rape cases, Any elder found to have participated in Maslaha will be jailed regardless of his status in the society.” noted Fatuma.

In her message to the state and fellow women, the MCA said that women should be respected and must earn their place in society as prescribed in the law and not through favoritism.

Kamuthe Women Network chair lady Makka Kassim who had accompanied the MCA said elders are now more interested in their personal gain as opposed to seeking justice for the victim, who is never part of the negotiation during Maslaha.

“Maslaha was previously used with good intention by elders but with time it has become a self-seeking venture, where the victim is left to suffer.” Said Makka.

Last week, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i warned that the government will not allow the use of Maslaha to resolve rape cases in Wajir County.