In a passionate address at the launch of Kenya’s 2023-24 Administration of Justice Annual Report, Fida Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu called on government leaders to take decisive action against femicide, describing the recent surge in cases as a “national crisis” requiring urgent intervention.
As the country prepares to join the world in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starting November 25, Kungu implored Kenyan leaders to confront the systemic challenges faced by women and girls in accessing justice and protection.
“The unprecedented cases of femicide in Kenya,” Kungu stated, “are in direct violation of our Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, safety, and the freedom and security of the person. Recent statistics indicate a rise in cases, with the trend leaning towards young women in the country, which is very worrying.”
She added that 97 women have been killed in recent months, with many cases still under investigation and no arrests made.
“ Women and girls are scared today,” she continued. “Women and girls’ lives matter. The deaths are happening almost on a daily basis, and we have to be very worried as a country.”
Kungu also urged the government to prioritize the issue of femicide as a standalone offence under Kenya’s Penal Code, which would impose harsher penalties specifically tailored to gender-motivated crimes.
“ This will go a long way in ensuring that crimes politically targeting women and girls based on their gender are met with the appropriate or corresponding severe penalty,” she said.
“We call upon all judicial actors and the legislature to enact laws that are gender-sensitive and protective of women’s rights.”
In a bold call to action, she requested that the executive declare femicide a national crisis, advocating for coordinated campaigns to address the root causes of violence against women and girls.
“Today, I call upon the executive to take a lead in declaring femicide a national crisis that requires urgent, coordinated, and countrywide campaigns aimed at creating awareness on the root cause of violence against women and girls,” she urged.
Kungu highlighted the need to dismantle “all structural and systematic barriers” preventing women from accessing justice when violated.
She also confirmed Fida Kenya’s ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, including the NCAJ and international development partners, to address justice for children, marginalized communities, and vulnerable women.
As part of this collective mission, she urged all Kenyans to unite during the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
“The theme is to unite all our efforts towards a multi-sectoral approach to addressing violence against women and particularly femicide,” she explained.
“This is in recognition of our commitment during the Beijing Declaration platform for action.” As the launch concluded, she extended a hopeful vision for a safer Kenya.
“We look forward to celebrating our women and girls and to a better Kenya,” she concluded, calling on the nation to rally together in the fight against femicide and all forms of violence targeting women and girls.
