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Declare femicide a national emergency, women's groups tell Ruto

Rita Waeni's was one of at least 16 femicides recorded in Kenya in January, which sparked a series of protests led by human rights groups. (Photo: EV)

By Mercy Asamba | Thursday, January 25, 2024

The group, led by Africans Rising for Unity, Justice, Peace and Dignity, has organised a march on January 27, 2024, at the Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi to denounce femicide.

Women leaders in Kenya want President William Ruto to declare femicide "a national emergency and a threat to national security" following reports of the gruesome murders of two women.

Several women's organisations stated on Thursday that the deaths of Starlet Wahu and Rita Waeni, and a third victim identified only as Malkia, show femicide is engrained in the community.

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“Further, we call upon Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Gender CS Aisha Jumwa to take immediate and decisive action to address this crisis,” the organisations said in a statement.

They asked President Ruto’s government to protect women from all walks of life.

“It is time for decisive action to ensure that no woman or girl in Kenya lives in fear of losing her life simply because of her gender. Let us create a society where every woman and girl can

live a life free from violence and fear,” they said.

The statement noted that femicide is linked to gender-based violence and discrimination that should be dealt with through proper channels.

“We believe that our collective, national and patriotic responsibility as Kenyan individuals, communities, and institutions is to address and eradicate these deep-rooted issues,” it said.

“According to Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya, every Kenyan citizen, regardless of gender, age or background, has the right to freedom and security. Every life lost to femicide represents a profound failure of the state and our society to uphold the law as stipulated by our Constitution and International Human Rights instruments ratified by Kenya."

The statement was endorsed by more than 100 women's groups countrywide. They included the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya), the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAWKenya), the Feminist for Peace Rights and Justice Centre, Women in Social Justice Centres, Dada Mkubwa and Pwani Trans Initiative.

"We strongly condemn the rise in femicide cases in the country and mourn with all victims of this scourge and their families," the organisations said.

The group, led by Africans Rising for Unity, Justice, Peace and Dignity, has organised a march on January 27, 2024, at the Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi to denounce femicide.