Ruto extends mandate of team tackling GBV, femicide by 60 days
Chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, the team was tasked with assessing and reviewing the country’s institutional, legal, and policy frameworks dealing with GBV and femicide.
President William Ruto has extended the term of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including femicide, by 60 days.
In a notice dated April 25, 2025, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the extension would run from April 9 to June 8, 2025.
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“It is notified for the general information of the public that His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces has extended the term of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including Femicide, for a period of sixty (60) days, with effect from the 9th April, 2025 up to 8th June, 2025,” read the gazette notice in part.
The 42-member Technical Working Group was formed in January 2025 by President Ruto following a rise in GBV and femicide cases.
“The increased cases of GBV and femicide continue to cause immense physical, emotional, and economic harm, exacerbating gender inequalities and impeding sustainable development,” Ruto said then.
Policy frameworks
Chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, the team was tasked with assessing and reviewing the country’s institutional, legal, and policy frameworks dealing with GBV and femicide.
The team also includes Mohammed Washala Abdi, Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Edna Ngare Ngeno, Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende, Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, Harleen Kaur Jabbal, and Bashir Isaak.
Other members of the taskforce include Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, Purity Ngina, Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N'gabala Sodonon, Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Faith Odhiambo, Ann Ireri, Seth Masese and Mashetti Masinjila.
They are expected to expected to identify trends, hotspots, and evaluate existing laws, while proposing necessary changes to strengthen enforcement.
The Working Group was initially given 90 days to present its report to President Ruto through Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
With the new extension, the group now has additional time to complete its consultations, studies, and final recommendations.
President Ruto has stressed that the fight against GBV is a constitutional duty, citing Article 26 on the Right to Life and Article 29 on the Freedom and Security of the Person.
“Every Kenyan has a right to live in dignity, free from fear and violence. It is our collective duty to ensure that these rights are protected and upheld,” he said earlier.
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