Written by Geoffrey Wesonga, Kibera Landlord and GBV Advocate
“I had seen too much violence to stay silent.”
I am a resident of Gatwekera village in Kibera. I was born, raised, and now work in Kibera, so in a nutshell, I have lived here for 35 years and counting. It is my home.
I have been volunteering with CFK Africa since 2014, when I first joined the Amani Mtaani (Peace in the Streets) program. We promoted peace during and after elections and encouraged coexistence among neighbors regardless of tribe or religion. Through this work, I began to see how community-led solutions can prevent conflict before it escalates.
When CFK Africa piloted its Male Allyship model, engaging landlords to address gender-based violence (GBV), I knew I wanted to be part of it. For most of my life, I had witnessed violence and felt powerless to stop it. At the time, my understanding of GBV was limited. I believed it only affected women and girls, and I only recognized physical harm as violence.
Everything changed when I met a young girl, about 12 years old, who was repeatedly abused by her stepfather with her mother’s full knowledge. As a landlord, a man, and a human being, I realized I could no longer look away. That moment pushed me to act.
Turning Landlords into First Responders
Landlords are uniquely positioned to protect the community because we hold regular meetings with tenants and are often the first to notice when something is wrong. Through training with CFK, we learned how to recognize warning signs, respond safely, and refer survivors to the right services. I have also taught residents about GBV warning signs, and that violence does not have to be kept in the shadows.
When I suspect violence, I first determine its nature. If it is gender-based, I report immediately to the police’s gender desk. If it is a dispute between neighbors, we try to resolve it peacefully within the compound. Knowing when to intervene and when to refer is critical.
Respecting privacy is essential. Survivors will only open up if they trust that their information will be handled with care. In my compound, we have clear rules that promote safety, confidentiality, and mutual respect for everyone – for boys and girls. My tenants now report concerns not only within their own homes but across the entire compound.
Changing Mindsets, Starting with Men
One of the biggest challenges has been changing attitudes. Some men initially mocked me for speaking openly about domestic violence, saying it was not “manly” to discuss household issues. Instead of reacting with anger, I chose to educate them. Over time, some of these same men have become allies themselves.
Through CFK’s Male Ally forums, men now have safe spaces to discuss issues that were once taboo. We have a crucial role in prevention. Creating safer communities involves everyone supporting girls’ education, empowering women economically, and recognizing that leadership is not determined by gender.
Men must hold each other accountable by understanding that women’s rights are human rights. I also remind community members that GBV is a crime under Kenyan law and carries serious consequences.
Economic hardship remains one of the root causes of violence in informal settlements. For communities to be safer, people must be empowered to meet their basic needs. Male allies also need continued support and training, as they are doing vital work on the ground.
A Safer Compound, A Stronger Community
Today, my compound is noticeably calmer. Incidents of violence have reduced significantly, from weekly to only one or two cases in a month. Residents look out for one another, and people speak up earlier, before situations become severe.
I believe this allyship model can work in other informal settlements because the challenges we face are similar. Older women often thank me for the changes they have seen in the community over time, and their appreciation motivates me to continue. These small, but real changes give me hope.
Male Allyship training with CFK has made me a better person, husband, and community leader. I am now better equipped to support my tenants and create a community where girls and boys have equal opportunities to succeed.
***In honor of our 25th anniversary in 2026, this story is #7 of 25 Stories of Change, shared throughout the year and featuring youth and communities whose lives have been transformed by CFK Africa.