Over 97 women have been killed within a 90-day period, according to the latest police report
Women’s rights activists are intensifying calls for President William Ruto to officially declare femicide a national disaster, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the alarming surge in violence against women. The Coalition of Grassroots Human Rights Defenders is spearheading this push, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive government action to curb the escalating killings.
Growing Concerns: A recent police report revealed a grim statistic: 97 women were killed over a span of 90 days. This spike in violence has raised alarm among both activists and officials. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lang’at, expressed deep concern over the trend, stressing the need for immediate, coordinated intervention to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Activist Appeals: The Coalition has issued a statement urging the President to not only recognize femicide as a national crisis but also to ensure all court cases involving the deaths and assaults of women are expedited. “We urge the President to declare femicide a national disaster and for the judiciary to review all ongoing cases related to femicide to uphold justice,” the statement read.
The coalition further called on both state and non-state entities to stop normalizing femicide and instead address it as a fundamental violation of human rights, which includes the right to life, dignity, and freedom from torture or degrading treatment.
Authorities Respond: While acknowledging the concerning statistics, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Chief Mohammed Amin challenged the narrative that these attacks specifically target women due to gender. According to Amin, investigations have mostly pointed to criminal motives rather than gender-targeted violence. “Our findings indicate that these cases are rooted in criminal intent, not necessarily a deliberate targeting of women,” he noted.
Institutional and Legal Framework: Rachel Mwikali, head of the activist group, pointed out the frequent targeting of young women, particularly those in universities and colleges. She urged educational institutions to take active measures against gender-based violence and implement early warning systems to prevent potential incidents. “The management of higher learning institutions must prioritize addressing gender-based violence and take strict action against offenders,” Mwikali said.
The coalition has also questioned the effectiveness of existing laws, noting that despite their presence, cases of violence against women continue to rise. “It is concerning that such laws, which should protect women and girls, seem insufficient in combating this crisis,” Mwikali added.
Government and Leadership Involvement: The surge in femicide cases has not gone unnoticed by top government leaders. Both President William Ruto and Chief Justice Martha Koome have called for enhanced measures and faster action by security and judicial bodies to handle the issue.
Conclusion: Activists are urging the government, law enforcement, and educational institutions to collaborate in addressing the crisis comprehensively. Their demands center on proactive prevention, stricter law enforcement, and a shift in societal attitudes to ensure the safety and dignity of women across the nation.
