Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has called for the formation of a specialized police unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to address the alarming surge in femicide cases in Kenya. Speaking during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, Waiguru emphasized the urgent need for targeted action to curb what she termed the most extreme manifestation of violence against women.
The Governor’s remarks come at a time when femicide cases are dominating headlines, sending shockwaves across the nation. This grim reality mirrors global trends highlighted in a recent United Nations report, which revealed that 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2023. Of these cases, a staggering 60% were committed by intimate partners or family members.
Waiguru’s proposal for a special police unit underscores her belief that a long-term solution requires a multi-pronged approach. “These killings are shocking and unacceptable. We need a focused and well-equipped team to investigate, prosecute, and ultimately deter femicide,” she stated.
A Grim National and Global Context
Femicide is not unique to Kenya, but the rising numbers paint a dire picture for the country’s women and girls. Globally, the phenomenon underscores a systemic failure to protect women from violence rooted in gender inequality. According to the UN report, domestic spaces where women should feel safest are often the most dangerous, with family members and partners being the primary perpetrators.
In Kenya, societal factors such as entrenched patriarchy, economic instability, and inadequate law enforcement contribute to the high rates of femicide. The stigma surrounding gender-based violence also discourages many survivors from coming forward, perpetuating a cycle of silence and inaction.
The Role of the 16 Days of Activism
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign designed to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and drive grassroots action. Running from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, this year’s campaign carries added urgency in Kenya amid the spike in femicide cases.
The event’s timing, coupled with the harrowing statistics from the UN report, has drawn significant attention from both national and international stakeholders. Kenyan leaders, including Waiguru, are leveraging the campaign to spotlight the issue and push for tangible solutions.
The Call for a Specialized Police Unit
Waiguru’s advocacy for a specialized police unit aligns with the broader need for structural reforms to address femicide. Such a unit, she argues, would focus on investigating femicide cases with precision, ensuring accountability and deterring potential perpetrators.
Experts support this proposal, citing examples from countries like Argentina, where specialized gender violence units have significantly improved response times and case resolutions. However, the success of such a unit in Kenya would hinge on adequate funding, training, and collaboration with civil society organizations.
Beyond law enforcement, Waiguru highlighted the importance of community education and economic empowerment programs for women. “We must address the root causes of femicide, including economic dependency and societal norms that devalue women,” she noted.
A Call to Action
Waiguru’s call to action resonates with a growing consensus among policymakers and activists: combating femicide requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates prevention, protection, and prosecution.
The Kenyan government, civil society, and the international community must work together to ensure that women and girls can live free from fear and violence. The 16 Days of Activism provides a powerful platform to amplify this message, but the real work lies in translating advocacy into action.
As Kenya joins the global fight against gender-based violence, Waiguru’s proposal for a specialized police unit serves as a poignant reminder that protecting women is not just a moral imperative but a societal one. The rising cases of femicide demand nothing less than immediate and sustained intervention.
