We must dismantle systems that are enabling femicide, CJ Koome says

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for unified action from all sectors of society to contain the alarming rise in femicide cases.

Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the 2024 National Child Justice Service Month at the Kirigiti Rehabilitation Centre, Koome urged law enforcement, justice agencies, social services, and civil society organisations to increase their vigilance and protective measures.

She also encouraged Kenyans to actively oppose femicide and advocate for the safety and dignity of women and children. The CJ called for the need to dismantle the systems that allow violence against women and girls to persist.

“Women and girls in our communities are enduring unspeakable violence. This year alone, we have seen tragic cases of sexual assault and brutal murders of women and girls, crimes that lay bare a profound failure in our collective duty to protect our most vulnerable,” she said.

“To every Kenyan, I say this: we must break the silence, speak out, and dismantle the systems that allow such heinous acts to go unchecked. We must commit to creating communities where women and girls feel safe, valued, and respected.”

Koome pointed out that addressing femicide requires not only legal action but also a societal transformation that ensures every woman and girl feels her life is valued.

Collaborative efforts

She reiterated the need for collaborative efforts from all sectors of society, urging police officers, community leaders, and citizens to work together to ensure that women and girls are safe in their homes, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods.

“Preventing violence against women and girls is not just a legal responsibility; it is a moral duty shared by each one of us,” she said.

She also underscored the importance of the ongoing awareness campaign focused on creating a child-friendly justice system throughout November.

She noted that the Judiciary plans to prioritise cases involving children, ensuring that no case remains unresolved for more than six months.

“The focus includes promoting preliminary inquiry and diversion processes as alternatives to conventional court procedures and punitive measures, supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of children into their communities,” she said.

The CJ called for a collaborative approach to support, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children into society, emphasising the importance of cooperation among stakeholders such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Department of Children Services (DCS), and the Probation Department, alongside healthcare and psychosocial professionals.

“The involvement of healthcare professionals, social workers, and community-based partners is essential in this journey. I extend an open invitation to psychologists, therapists, social workers, and counsellors to join us in building a supportive network for children who enter the justice system,” Koome said.

Individualised counselling

She highlighted the need for screening, assessment, and individualised counselling to create a rehabilitation framework tailored to each child's unique challenges, fostering a supportive environment for care and healing.

As the chairperson of the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Koome also unveiled plans for a Pilot Court Annexed Psychosocial Support and Therapy initiative, aimed at establishing guidelines for providing psychosocial support to court users and judicial officers.

“I invite our partners to walk with us as we embark on this journey. I want to thank the counsellors and psychologists across the country who have continuously volunteered to support service month; we are indebted to you,” she said.

Koome expressed her gratitude to the many volunteer counsellors and psychologists who have played a significant role in the success of the service month.

“As we work with the NCAJ to enhance diversion frameworks, we can create an environment where children receive guidance and support within their communities, giving them the best chance to grow into responsible, positive members of society,” she added.

With this year’s theme, "Enhancing Child Justice through Preliminary Inquiry and Diversion: Promoting Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Dignity for Children in Conflict with the Law," Koome encouraged all to embrace solutions focusing on the unique needs of every child, viewing them not as offenders but as young people in need of understanding, compassion, and guidance.