Notably, the issue of femicide was featured in a statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday, November 14
In adherence to demands by women groups that include the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), President William Ruto held a press briefing at State House in the wake of resurging femicide that has seen several women brutally murdered in the last few months.
On Wednesday, November 20, the Head of State appealed to religious leaders- including the catholic bishops who have been in recent headlines over their criticism towards the President- to utilise their platforms to spread positivity about women in Kenya.
“We urge religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women, women’s leadership, women’s engagement and help congregations understand that women’s rights are also human rights, creating a positive environment for women and our children,” he urged.
Notably, the issue of femicide was featured in a statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday, November 14, in which the bishops had expressed appallment for the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture and killings of Kenyans as well as decried the increasing murder of women, all of which caused great consternation, anger and disgust.
President William Ruto holds talks with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) at State House in Nairobi on April 12, 2024. /PCS
At the same time, Ruto touched on the aspect of social media, stating that “Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation and I urge our young people to treat strangers on these platforms with utmost caution.”
Ruto also reiterated his directive to police to expedite investigations into reported femicide cases and tasked the authorities to see to it that operations at gender desks are stepped up.
“I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandate without delay, holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable,” he directed. “Gender desks in police stations must be enhanced and we will soon introduce similar gender desks in hospitals to ensure that victims receive immediate attention and care.”
More to follow…