Kenyan Cabinet Approves Taskforce To Combat Rising Femicide Cases
The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the formation of a presidential taskforce aimed at addressing the alarming surge in femicide cases across the country.
The working group, which will engage religious leaders, parents, schools, security agencies, and other stakeholders, has been tasked with identifying gaps in laws, enforcement, and societal values contributing to the crisis. The team will be officially gazetted, given clear terms of reference, and expected to deliver actionable recommendations within 90 days.
President William Ruto, who chaired the year’s final cabinet meeting on December 17, emphasized the urgency of tackling femicide during the discussions.
Kenya has witnessed an alarming increase in femicide incidents, with women and girls losing their lives in acts of brutal violence. President Ruto expressed deep concern over the trend, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators.
“We have seen incidents where our girls, mothers, and women have been murdered in cold blood. The DCI and all investigative authorities must stand up to these criminals and deal with them firmly,” Ruto stated.
The President also called on society to remain vigilant and protect women and girls from being lured into insecure and dangerous situations by criminals.
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (Fida-Kenya) has been vocal about the crisis, describing it as a gross violation of women’s constitutional rights to life, safety, and security.
Mark Owuor, head of communications at Fida-Kenya, labeled the surge in femicide as both “heartbreaking and alarming” and urged the government to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators.
“Femicide is a national emergency that requires urgent, coordinated interventions to ensure the safety and dignity of every woman and girl in Kenya,” Owuor said.
Fida-Kenya has previously called on the government to allocate resources toward addressing femicide and ensuring justice for victims. Their demands have drawn responses from the National Police Service, the DCI, and the Ministry of Gender.
The establishment of the taskforce is seen as a critical step in curbing femicide and ensuring long-term safety for women and girls in Kenya. The group’s findings and recommendations are expected to inform a comprehensive strategy to combat this pressing issue.