Rape: How is church challenged by the rising issues of rape in Kenya

Abstract

Rape is a global challenge that confronts women in all context and from all race. There has been an increase in rape cases and rape prevalence in Kenya, especially in major urban centres. This research was influenced and inspired by the increased cases of rape in Kenya, especially Nairobi. It was hereby where as a researcher I wanted to explore how church is challenged by the rising issues of rape in Kenya. The research has shown that certain behaviours, and certain situational factors are contributing to the increased rape cases. This shows that the factors are known, however no serious attention has been taken in reducing vulnerability. It is hereby where the research questioned the place of the church in the society in relation to rape cases. The research discovered that the church is limited in addressing rape cases and rape issues since it is a victim and theologically a perpetrator in subjugation of women. Based on the research, the author offered some suggestions, regarded as the way forward. These should be the programs in rape prevention, risk reductions interventions, addressing negative stigmatization towards women which might be socially or culturally engineered, empowering women and through other ways which can effectively reduce rape and its negative consequences within the context.