Parliament petitioned to declare femicide, GBV a national disaster
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
According to data shared by Christine Kungu, Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Kenya, at least 97 women have been killed in the last three months, with investigations ongoing and many perpetrators yet to be arrested.
A petition has been submitted to the Kenyan Parliament, urging lawmakers to compel President William Ruto to declare femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) a national disaster.
The call comes amidst an alarming increase in cases of violence against women and related deaths across the country.
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The petition, filed by Kenya University Student Association's President Antony Manyara, highlights the urgency of addressing the crisis. It cited Article 119 of the Constitution, which allows every Kenyan citizen the right to petition Parliament to act on matters of public concern.
"The National Assembly should swiftly and expeditiously address the surging cases of femicide and gender-based violence in Kenya in accordance with Article 119," read the petition.
Manyara urged Parliament to act decisively, stating that the declaration of a national disaster would underscore the gravity of the crisis and facilitate resource mobilisation to combat the issue.
Manyara's petition also highlighted the constitutional mandate to protect human dignity and uphold equality, inclusiveness, and non-discrimination.
"The Constitution stipulates that any law inconsistent with its provisions is invalid. Every Kenyan has a duty to respect, uphold, and defend these values," he noted.
The petition was received by the clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge.
Rising cases of femicide
According to data shared by Christine Kungu, Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Kenya, at least 97 women have been killed in the last three months, with investigations ongoing and many perpetrators yet to be arrested.
"The unprecedented cases of femicide in Kenya are in direct violation of our Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, safety, and the freedom and security of the person," Kungu said.
"Women and girls are scared today. Their lives matter, and we must act now as a nation," she added.
Kungu further called for the government to prioritise femicide as a distinct offense under the Penal Code.
She argued that this would ensure gender-based crimes are met with appropriate penalties, deterring future offenders.
President William Ruto earlier this month expressed concern over the rise in femicide, calling on security agencies to act swiftly.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat acknowledged a sharp rise in murder and manslaughter cases, describing the trend as alarming.
As the country prepares to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starting November 25, activists like FIDA are urging leaders to confront systemic challenges hindering justice for women and girls.
"The deaths are happening almost daily. This is no longer just a gender issue; it's a national crisis," Kungu stated.
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