Kenya has witnessed a troubling surge in femicide cases, prompting women leaders across the nation to call for immediate and stringent penalties for perpetrators of this heinous crime. Among these leaders are Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who have taken a public stand against violence inflicted on women and girls, urging the government to declare femicide a national crisis.
The Rising Tide of Femicide
Femicide, defined as the intentional killing of women because of their gender, has reached alarming levels in Kenya. Reports indicate that the country has seen a significant increase in such cases, leading to widespread outrage and demands for justice. The statistics are staggering: in just this year alone, numerous women have lost their lives to acts of violence, highlighting an urgent need for effective intervention.
During a recent public address, Passaris articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “Femicide is not a women’s issue. Every time a woman is killed, women leaders are asked where we are and what we are doing. This is a national concern.” Her remarks resonate with many, emphasizing that the issue transcends gender and affects the fabric of society as a whole.
A Call for Action
In response to the escalating violence, Kihika has urged President William Ruto to take decisive action. She appealed to him to declare femicide a national crisis, echoing the sentiments of many Kenyans who feel that the government has not done enough to protect its citizens. “Your Excellency, I wish you would declare femicide a national crisis, because the women who have been killed this year alone is something we have never seen, especially the manner in which they have been killed,” Kihika implored.
This call to action underscores the leaders’ frustration with the existing response mechanisms and their determination to see a tangible shift in how femicide cases are handled. They argue that a mere acknowledgment of the problem is no longer sufficient; there must be a commitment to meaningful change.
Establishing a Special Police Unit
One of the proposals put forward by Passaris is the establishment of a dedicated police unit to tackle femicide and sexual gender-based violence, akin to the specialized squads formed to combat terrorism and violent extremism. “We need a squad. We dealt with terrorism with a terrorism squad. We need a squad in the police service to deal with femicide and sexual gender-based violence. It is becoming scary every single day,” she stated passionately.
The establishment of such a unit would allow law enforcement agencies to focus on the unique challenges associated with femicide, ensuring that cases are investigated thoroughly and swiftly. This targeted approach could enhance the efficiency of the justice system and provide victims with the support they desperately need.
The Role of the Judiciary
Kihika further emphasized the need for the judiciary to impose severe penalties on those found guilty of femicide. “We want to see our security agencies get serious. We need to see perpetrators being hauled into courts and being jailed for life or whatever, so that it works as a deterrent for any other person who could think that the life of a girl or woman in this country is worthless,” she asserted.
This call for harsher penalties reflects a growing frustration among women leaders who believe that the current sentences for femicide do not adequately reflect the severity of the crime. By imposing stricter penalties, the government would send a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
The Role of Men in the Fight Against Femicide
In addition to urging government action, both Kihika and Passaris have called on men in society to stand up and take a more active role in combating femicide. “Wanaume wasimame waanze kuchunga wamama na wasichana. Jungeni sisi. The oldest woman raped in this country is 83 years, the youngest is 5 months. Tuko na shida. Lazima tuombe sana ili Mungu ageuze roho za wanaume,” Passaris noted, emphasizing the need for men to take responsibility for protecting women and girls.
This challenge to men is crucial, as it highlights the importance of allyship in the fight against gender-based violence. By encouraging men to be active participants in the movement, women leaders are fostering a sense of collective responsibility that transcends gender lines.
The Emotional Impact of Femicide
The emotional toll of femicide on families and communities cannot be overstated. Each life lost is a tragedy that reverberates through families and society. Kihika poignantly remarked, “Any life lost is one life too many, and we cannot afford that. We need men to join us women in our efforts to end this.” This statement captures the essence of the struggle: it is a fight for humanity, dignity, and the right to live free from fear.
The increasing visibility of femicide cases in media reports has also galvanized public opinion, leading to protests and demands for justice from various sectors of society. Citizens are calling for more proactive measures from the government, as well as for community involvement in addressing the root causes of violence against women.
Potential Solutions
To address the femicide crisis, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes:
- Legislative Reforms: Strengthening laws against gender-based violence and ensuring that penalties reflect the severity of femicide.
- Community Awareness Campaigns: Initiating educational programs that focus on changing societal attitudes towards violence against women and promoting respect for gender equality.
- Support Services for Victims: Enhancing access to support services for victims of violence, including counseling, legal assistance, and safe spaces.
- Training for Law Enforcement: Providing training for police and judicial officers to handle femicide cases with sensitivity and urgency.
- Engaging Men as Allies: Creating programs that engage men in discussions about gender-based violence and encourage them to be advocates for change.
Conclusion
The push for stringent penalties for femicide perpetrators by women leaders in Kenya is a critical step towards addressing the violence against women and girls that has reached crisis levels. As they call for action from the government and society, it is clear that the fight against femicide requires collective effort. The involvement of men, the establishment of dedicated law enforcement units, and legislative reforms are all essential components of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate this violence.
Ultimately, the leaders’ calls resonate with a broader movement advocating for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights in Kenya. The time for action is now, and it is incumbent upon all members of society to join in the fight against femicide, ensuring that every woman and girl can live safely and with dignity.
