Breaking the Silence: Kenyan Women MPs Rally for National Action Against Femicide Crisis

By Seliphar Machoni 

Female Parliamentarians are currently urging President William Ruto to categorise  femicide and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) a national disaster.

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has called on investigative authorities to expedite femicide investigations, following the recent murders of Starlet Wahu and Rita Waeni in Roysambu.

KEWOPA Chairperson Leah Sankaire emphasised the need to address the alarming rise in violence against women. 

The ongoing victimisation of women on media platforms, where they are held responsible for their own deaths, is a worrisome trend. Sankaire notes that this highlights the increasing role of technologically facilitated gender-based violence (GBV) on social media.

Sankaire stated, "We cannot normalise femicides. We as Kenyans must take deliberate action to end violence against women. We wish to call upon the President to declare femicide and other forms of GBV a national disaster and commit to addressing it."

Expressing concern over the slow response to the epidemic, she added, "Women are not safe in public spaces, in government buildings, in their schools or even in their homes."

KEWOPA called on the government to urgently act in preventing violence and strengthening the protection of women and girls.

This move by female parliamentarians was triggered by criticism on social media, where Kenyans questioned their silence on ongoing femicide cases.

Some called for the elimination of Women Rep positions, stating, "It's time these Women Rep positions were scrapped. Why are they silent with the ongoing femicide that's getting out of hand? Women are their own enemies. Shame!"

Opposition leader Raila Odinga also addressed the escalating femicide cases, stating, "It is sad to see a troubling increase in the deaths of young women, leaving a trail of grief for families and friends." 

Raila emphasised that the murder of women has become a national emergency.

Civil society organisations, including the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), have condemned the increased femicide cases and the blaming of the victims. 

The call for action against femicide in Kenya continues to gain momentum on various fronts.

As of now, reports indicate that more than two women have been tragically killed in different incidents across Kenya.