In recent weeks, Kenya has been grappling with an alarming rise in cases of femicide, where women are killed by their partners or family members. The latest incident that has caught the attention of the nation involves the brutal attack on Florence Wanjiku Gichohi, who was found with severe stab wounds and severed hands in Nakuru County. Preliminary investigations suggest that her attacker was her boyfriend, who is also her business associate. The police are currently searching for the suspect, who is urged to present himself at the nearest police station. Gichohi is in serious condition and receiving treatment in a hospital.
This shocking case is a reflection of a broader and troubling trend in the country. President William Ruto recently acknowledged the growing crisis of femicide, a form of gender-based violence where women are intentionally killed due to their gender. The statistics are deeply concerning, with 97 cases of femicide reported in just the last three months. Amnesty International reports that over 500 women have been murdered in the same way between 2016 and 2023. These figures reflect the pervasive nature of this issue and underscore the urgent need for a national response to protect women and address the root causes of such violence.
President Ruto, speaking at the National Defence University in Nakuru, emphasized the importance of research into the factors contributing to femicide. “What is the place of family, society, and religion in bringing up a morally upright generation?” he asked, calling for a deeper understanding of what drives individuals to commit such heinous acts. He stressed the need for society to reexamine its values, questioning where it has failed in nurturing healthy relationships and fostering respect for women. Ruto also challenged the National Defence University to focus on the challenges driving femicide incidents and to provide insights through research to address the issue effectively.
This call for research and introspection comes at a time when gender-based violence, particularly femicide, is gaining national and international attention. The government has pledged to take action by launching a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, including femicide. Dubbed the “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces” campaign, this initiative will kick off on November 25, 2024, with an allocation of Sh100 million to support victims of violence. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims, such as toll-free helplines like GBV 1195, Child Help 116, and the DCI anonymous reporting number 0800722203.
The government is not alone in its concern. Several organizations, including Amnesty International, have raised alarm over the rising incidence of femicide and violence against women. A 2022 survey found that one in three women in Kenya has experienced physical violence at some point in their lives. This statistic paints a grim picture of the widespread nature of abuse and the dire need for systemic change. It is clear that femicide is not an isolated problem but part of a larger issue of gender-based violence, which affects women across all sectors of society, from rural to urban areas.
The increase in femicide cases can be attributed to several factors, including entrenched societal norms, poor law enforcement, and limited access to support systems for victims. The normalization of violence against women in certain communities, coupled with a lack of accountability for perpetrators, has made it difficult to curb these acts of violence. While awareness campaigns like the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces initiative are an essential step forward, the key to long-term change lies in cultural transformation and stronger legal frameworks to protect women from violence.
It is crucial that every Kenyan, regardless of their background, joins in the fight against femicide and gender-based violence. The Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign offers an opportunity for individuals and communities to speak out, educate one another, and stand united against the injustice faced by women. However, awareness must be paired with meaningful action. For women to truly be safe, there must be a cultural shift towards respect, equality, and justice. The time for change is now, and it is up to every Kenyan to contribute to building a society where women are valued, protected, and free from violence.
