President William Ruto has yet again weighed on the increase in cases of femicide ahead of the 16-day activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Speaking during the State of the Nation address in parliament on Thursday, November 21, 2024, Ruto said that many citizens have raised concerns about GBV and the increase of femicide.
To deal with the menace, Ruto added that he has tasked Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to recommend radical affirmative actions within six months.
“Many citizens as well as organisations championing women’s rights have raised concerns about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the increasing cases of killing of female victims by male criminals motivated by primitive expression of gender-based brutality and impunity,”
“I have held discussions with other leaders in government and tasked the Deputy President to reach out and facilitate collaborative, broad-based and multi-sectoral deliberations and recommend effective
and radically affirmative actions within 6 months,” Ruto said.
In addition, the Head of State added that if femicide cases are left unaddressed it will complicate the struggle for gender equality and inclusion.
“If left unaddressed these incidents will cause the women of our nation to feel increasingly unsafe even in their own homes this is both tragic and unacceptable it also complicates the struggle of Kenyan women for inclusion and equality for the marginalized group in our society,” he added.
He further emphasized the importance of raising boys into morally upright men to curb the rising femicide cases in the country.
Meanwhile, Ruto added that most murder cases of women have been investigated and prosecuted adding that those found culpable will face full force of the law.
“I am aware that most of these cases of murder of women by men have been investigated and prosecuted. It is my hope in due course those found culpable will face the full force of the law,”
“Members it is time for all of us political leaders, religious leaders, traditional institutions and family members to do our part in raising boys into morally upright men who will never need to affirm their masculinity at the expense of women but instead contribute to making our society just, safe, equal and inclusive,” he stated.
President Ruto: I am aware that most of these cases of murder of women by men have been investigated and prosecuted. It is my hope that in due course those found culpable will face the full force of the law.#K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/HQ42vOyZZS
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) November 21, 2024
Ruto on femicide campaign
Speaking during a live press briefing at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Ruto said that his administration has committed Ksh100 million towards the 16 days of activism against GBV.
“As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the women leaders have agreed to embark on a nationwide awareness campaign to confront this vice head-on,” Ruto said.
“This campaign will have the full support of my government, and we are committing Ksh100 million for the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign. I urge every Kenyan to join this movement, to speak out, to educate, and to stand united against femicide.”
16 days of activism
The 16 days of activism which starts from November 25 to December 10, 2024, aims at championing a nationwide conversation to address femicide and gender-based violence.