Since the beginning of 2024, femicide incidences have made headlines within and beyond, sparking conversations about the amount of response the government and concerned organizations can put in place to mitigate the crisis
President Ruto, while speaking at State House, committed KES 100 million towards the Safe Home, Safe Space—an end to femicide campaign seeking to create awareness across the country. The campaign will involve 16 days of comprehensive activism, beginning November 25, 2024.
The statement comes in barely two weeks, following a mysterious spate of murder and abuse targeting young and aged women in the country. He reiterated that psychological support and women’s and children’s safety are commitments to his office.
“Matters of psychological support and safe space for women and children are a priority in my office. Through the women’s right advisor, we are launching a safe home, safe space campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that will start on November 25, 2024,” he stated.
The president blamed the rising cases of femicide on social media platforms, which he said have become an epicenter for exploitation by dangerous individuals, targeting unsuspecting victims. He therefore urged the young people to be cautious and, at the same time, implored parents, schools, churches, and community organizations to step up skills and guide the young people.
“Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation, and I urge our young people to treat strangers on this platform with the utmost caution. Parents, schools, churches and community organizations must step up to provide large skills and guidance to our young people,” he added
The ongoing femicide crisis reflects a broader issue of gender-based violence in the country, with a total of 504 women, in addition to the recent ones, having been murdered between 2029 and 2024, according to data from Femicide Count Kenya.
2023 was the most gruesome, with 153 women’s lives being brutally ended through violence. Femicide Count Kenya says this is just a meager outcome, as more cases are happening every day and are seldom reported in the media.
In January 2024 alone, staggering 10 femicide cases sparked a public debate, sending shockwaves to women’s rights groups and other concerned organizations, which demanded a stern action from the government, which appeared in hollow action at the moment. This includes the brutal murder of Starlet Wahu and Rita Waeni in the same month.
The government of Kenya has initiated various measures aimed at mitigating femicide and addressing gender-based violence, which has since remained dormant despite the rising rampant cases.
The Sexual Offences Act (2006) and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015) are among the legal frameworks put in place for prosecuting offenders and protecting victims of gender-based violence.
The recent statement by President Ruto and the commitment of KES 100 million toward the campaign to end the femicide could put little hope to the faces advocating for accountability and could enhance legal actions against such acts.
However, the government needs training support for the National and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and other related agencies, such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, to improve the investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence.
