Declare femicide a national crisis within 30 days or face protests, FIDA warns Ruto

The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Kenya has called on President William Ruto to officially declare femicide as a national crisis, describing the persistent gender-based violence against women as an escalating threat that demands urgent and coordinated government action.

In a statement on Tuesday, FIDA made five appeals to President Ruto, calling for immediate measures to address the worsening situation and ensure the safety of women and girls nationwide.

Reflecting on recent tragedies, FIDA condemned what they termed as the state's "laxity" in addressing femicide cases, which they argued amounts to "aiding and abetting" such crimes.

“Enough is enough! Femicide is not an isolated series of incidents, it is a national emergency requiring a unified response from the highest offices,” the organisation said.

Their primary demand is for Ruto to issue a national address on femicide, affirming the government's commitment to upholding the safety and rights of women.

They called for a “clear and unwavering commitment” to women’s safety, urging the President to formally classify femicide as a disaster, adding that the National Police Service should, within two weeks, issue an exhaustive statement on the status of ongoing femicide investigations.

FIDA also demanded that law enforcement agencies, specifically the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), provide an update on the investigation and prosecution of suspects involved in femicide cases.

Of particular concern is the case of Collins Jumaisi, the main suspect in the widely publicised Kware dumpsite murders, who remains at large following an escape from police custody.

FIDA decried the lack of progress, stating that delays in prosecution exacerbate the trauma for families of victims.

“This is a necessary step in bringing healing to the families who are extremely traumatised by the loss of their loved ones,” they added.

Additionally, the organisation urged Ruto to promptly fill the vacant position of Gender Cabinet Secretary, noting that the role is important in orchestrating a multi-sectoral strategy against femicide.

The new Cabinet Secretary, FIDA asserted, should lead awareness campaigns on gender-based violence and specifically target emerging issues, such as electronically facilitated gender-based violence (EFGBV), while mobilising collaboration across governmental and civil entities.

With the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence approaching, FIDA emphasised that the government must align with this year’s theme, "UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls," by adopting effective and measurable initiatives to prevent violence within households and communities.

“There must be actionable, measurable steps that protect women and girls and provide meaningful deterrents to perpetrators,” the organisation noted.

FIDA is also advocating for legislative reforms to explicitly recognise femicide as a crime in the Penal Code, a move they believe would strengthen the legal framework surrounding gender-based violence.

The organisation appealed to both Parliament and the Judiciary to support the amendment, emphasising that this step is essential to address crimes targeting women based on their gender.

They referenced the recent brutal murders of women, including that of Yvonne Jirangwa, a 23-year-old Catholic nun whose body was discovered at a convent in Rongo, alongside other incidents in which multiple women’s bodies were found at various locations, shocking the country.

The whereabouts of Jumaisi, a suspect in some of these cases, remain unknown, and the National Police Service has yet to release a comprehensive report on his escape or measures to ensure his re-arrest.

FIDA expressed deep concern over the trend, highlighting that the current spate of femicide incidents in Kenya directly contravenes the rights guaranteed in the 2010 Constitution, including the right to life and security.

They recalled that in January 2024, they had issued a statement following the murders of Starlet Wahu and Rita Waeni, but since then, cases of femicide have continued to rise.

“We stand in collective sorrow and outrage at the increasing cases of femicide across Kenya. FIDA reported that they are aware of at least 30 femicide cases related to domestic violence this year alone, which remain under investigation,” they said.

The organisation has, however, committed to supporting the affected families, some of whom they said are already receiving psychosocial support and legal aid.

They also vowed to mobilise nationwide protests within 30 days should no concrete action be taken, reiterating that women in Kenya deserve the right to live without fear of violence.