The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA) highlighted the urgent need for action to combat the rising trend of femicide in the country. Joining FIDA were various advocacy groups that collectively condemned the increasing rates of violence against women, emphasizing the importance of accountability and systemic change in law enforcement.
The Alarming Trend of Femicide
Janet Onyango, FIDA’s Deputy Executive Director, opened the conference by addressing the stark reality of femicide in Kenya. She described the violence against women as “horrific” and underscored the necessity of addressing systemic issues that endanger the safety and well-being of women and girls across the nation. Onyango pointed out that this violence is not merely an unfortunate series of isolated incidents but a significant crisis that requires immediate attention from the government and law enforcement agencies.
Constitutional Violations and Accountability
Onyango’s remarks referenced the constitutional guarantees enshrined in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which affirm the right to life and the freedom and security of individuals. The violation of these rights through acts of femicide raises critical questions about the efficacy of the current protective measures in place for women. She urged law enforcement to take decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable, signaling that systemic failures must be addressed to prevent further tragedies.
Specific cases that have rocked the nation, such as the murders of Starlet Wahu and victims in Kware, Embakasi, were cited to illustrate the alarming trend. The involvement of Collins Jumaisi, the prime suspect who has managed to escape police custody, has amplified public outcry and further highlighted the perceived inadequacies in police response and crisis management. Onyango argued that the escape of a suspect from police custody not only jeopardizes ongoing investigations but also erodes public trust in law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens.
Questions of Police Efficacy
The briefing also featured insights from Mwaura Kabata, the deputy president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who echoed concerns over the police’s response to rising femicide rates. Kabata pointed to the lack of urgency and accountability exhibited by the police in handling cases of gender-based violence, raising alarms about the efficacy of their investigations. He emphasized that the perceived laxity and failure to act decisively against perpetrators foster a culture of impunity, further complicating the fight against gender-based violence.
“The deaths of these women are not merely statistics but represent innocent lives tragically cut short, leaving families in turmoil,” Kabata remarked, stressing the human cost of femicide. With FIDA reporting at least 30 cases of women who have lost their lives due to intimate partner violence and femicide in 2024 alone, the figures paint a disturbing picture of the state of domestic violence in the country.
Underreporting and the Denial of Justice
Christine Kungu, FIDA’s chairperson, highlighted another critical issue: the underreporting of femicide cases. She pointed out that many incidents go unreported, further illustrating a pervasive problem that has not garnered the attention it deserves. This underreporting, combined with slow investigation processes, contributes to a perception of denial of justice for victims and their families, deepening the cycle of violence against women.
Kungu’s statements aligned with the collective acknowledgment that femicide and domestic violence stem from deep-seated problems of gender inequality and harmful societal attitudes towards women. The officials insisted that every individual deserves to live in an environment free from violence and fear, asserting that the right to pursue life without threats is fundamental.
A Call to Action
In light of these alarming trends, the lobby groups are calling on President William Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis. They demand assurances that his administration is committed to protecting women and taking concrete actions against gender-based violence across Kenya. They specifically urged the President to instruct the National Police Service to provide a detailed status report on ongoing investigations within 14 days.
Moreover, the groups are seeking updates from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on the status of femicide investigations, particularly concerning the circumstances surrounding Jumaisi’s escape. The call for expedited prosecution of femicide cases is crucial, as it emphasizes the need to bring justice to victims and their families, restoring faith in the justice system.
Immediate Appointment of a Gender Cabinet Secretary
In a further bid to coordinate a comprehensive approach to femicide prevention, FIDA and other advocacy groups have called for the immediate appointment of a Gender Cabinet Secretary. This position would be pivotal in ensuring that a multisector approach is adopted, allowing for effective collaboration among various governmental and non-governmental organizations in the fight against gender-based violence.
Looking Ahead: The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV
As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence approaches, the call for immediate action becomes even more pressing. The lobby groups emphasize that the Kenyan government should implement actionable strategies to address the concerns raised during the press briefing. This initiative should include awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the establishment of support systems for victims of gender-based violence.
Conclusion
The rising trend of femicide in Kenya has sparked urgent calls for action from advocacy groups like FIDA and the Law Society of Kenya. With alarming statistics and heartbreaking cases underscoring the issue, there is a growing consensus that systemic changes are necessary to protect the rights and lives of women. The call for a national crisis declaration, accountability from law enforcement, and the appointment of a dedicated Gender Cabinet Secretary represents a crucial step towards addressing the epidemic of violence against women in Kenya.
The collective efforts of advocacy groups, coupled with governmental action, can create a safer environment for women and girls across the nation. It is imperative that these calls for action are not just heard but acted upon, ensuring that every individual has the right to live free from violence and fear. The time for change is now, and it begins with acknowledging and addressing the systemic issues that have allowed femicide to thrive in silence.
