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Women MPs want state agencies to issue statement on progress of femicide cases

Women hold protest over femicide cases in Nairobi in January. (Immaculate Wairimu)

By Lucy Mumbi | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Condemning the increasing incidences, the association noted that women continue to be unsafe in public spaces.

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has ordered several government agencies to issue a statement on the progress of femicide cases in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, KEWOPA chairperson Leah Sankaire said they are shocked and outraged that the killings are still on the rise but the investigations have been slow.

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“KEWOPA, therefore, demands that the Interior CS, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Inspector General IG), and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) must issue a statement on the following pertinent issues,” Sankaire said.

Among the issues tabled include; what the state is doing to speed up the investigations, how many perpetrators have been apprehended and arraigned and what preventive strategies have been put in place to address the appalling crimes against women.

Condemning the increasing incidences, the association noted that women continue to be unsafe in public spaces, and even in their own homes.

They said that as Parliament resumes its sessions, they will continue to stand for a just and inclusive society for all.

They reiterated that women in Parliament will embark on key legislative and advocacy interventions and remain strong partners in ensuring that they speak and act on the issues.

“The women MPs will identify the legislative gaps on the laws and policies governing Violence against Women and Girls (VAW/G) and specifically femicide such as Kenya's Penal Code and impose severe penalties for perpetrators,” Sankaire said.

In addition, they will champion policy reforms by the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, including the development of guidelines on the provision of legal, medical, psychosocial, and other support to survivors and victims' families.

“KEWOPA firmly states that VAW/G and femicide are not a "women's issue"; but issues of security, safety, dignity and law,” Sankaire said.

Women in Nairobi are set to hold a memorial and vigil for victims of gender-based violence and femicide on Wednesday.

In the event-themed ‘Dark Valentine’, women under the End Femicide Movement Kenya umbrella said the event will take place at The University of Nairobi's Graduation Square from 4 pm to 7 pm.

The event aims to maintain and amplify the pressure on the government to address the urgent demands that emerged from the recent national marches held in over ten counties, on January 27, 2024.