On November 25, 2024, as Kenya marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, police clashed with a group of anti-femicide protesters in Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi. The demonstrators had gathered in the public space, demanding that President William Ruto declare femicide a national disaster. Their call came amid increasing concerns about the rising cases of femicide and violence against women in the country.
The protest, which drew attention to the devastating impact of femicide, was met with force when police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. The protesters, mostly women’s rights activists and members of the public, had assembled with banners and placards calling for urgent action to address the alarming levels of gender-based violence and femicide in Kenya.
This demonstration comes at a time when the country is grappling with an increasing number of femicide cases, where women are killed by intimate partners or family members. The protesters believe that declaring femicide a national disaster would elevate the issue to a priority status and help mobilize more resources to address the growing crisis.
President Ruto’s Commitment to Combating Femicide
Just days before the protest, President William Ruto made a significant announcement regarding the government’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and femicide. Speaking at the State House during a meeting with women leaders, Ruto outlined his administration’s plans to combat femicide as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign, titled the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign, seeks to provide critical support to victims of femicide and gender-based violence.
During the event, President Ruto committed Sh100 million towards the initiative, which he described as a crucial step toward ending the violence that has been steadily rising in Kenya. The campaign will focus on providing safe spaces and psychological support for women and children who have been affected by violence.
“We are committed to ensuring that no woman or child suffers in silence. The government will support policies that will end femicide, and we will ensure there are resources for victims,” Ruto said during the meeting. He emphasized that his administration is prioritizing safe spaces and psychological support, which are key components of the initiative.
A Call for Swift Justice and Enhanced Services for Victims
In his address, President Ruto also called for greater efforts from law enforcement and the criminal justice system in handling cases of femicide. He directed that criminal justice actors execute their mandates promptly and hold perpetrators fully accountable. This directive comes in response to growing concerns about delays in the justice system and the lack of swift action on gender-based violence cases.
Ruto also urged the enhancement of gender desks at police stations, ensuring that they are better equipped to handle cases of femicide and other forms of gender-based violence. He went further to call for the establishment of similar services in hospitals, where victims of gender-based violence can receive immediate attention and care.
“The justice system must be swift and efficient. Perpetrators of femicide must be held accountable,” the President emphasized. He also highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to recognize and navigate the dangers posed by abuse and exploitation.
Addressing the Role of Social Media and Education
Another key point in President Ruto’s speech was the growing role of social media in perpetuating exploitation, particularly among the youth. The rise of online platforms has created new avenues for manipulation and abuse, with young people increasingly vulnerable to online exploitation.
Ruto urged the youth to exercise caution when interacting with strangers on social media and emphasized the need for institutions like schools, churches, and community organizations to provide guidance on these issues. He stressed the importance of life skills education, counseling, and raising awareness about the risks that young people face in the digital age.
“Parents, schools, and churches must step up to provide life skills and counseling to guide our children,” he said, underscoring the role of the broader society in protecting the youth from exploitation.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Front Against Femicide
Despite the tension at Jevanjee Gardens, the ongoing protests and the government’s efforts signal a growing recognition of the need to address femicide as a critical national issue. President Ruto’s commitment to combating gender-based violence through comprehensive campaigns and reforms is a promising step in the fight against femicide. However, the continued activism from groups calling for stronger action shows that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and dignity of women in Kenya. The government’s support for policies, enhanced services, and the public’s increasing demand for accountability suggest a hopeful trajectory toward ending femicide and other forms of violence against women in the country.
