Anti-Femicide activists drawn from various counties in Kenya and political leaders in Nakuru have called for urgent action to end violence against women and girls in society.
Reproductive Health Champion Organization Executive Director Martin Lunalo addressing press at Nyayo Gardens on matters Femicide cases.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.
The lot spoke in Nakuru on Saturday February 1, 2025 as they marked one year since the launch of End Femicide KE National Movement on January 27, 2024, where thousands of women and men marched in Nairobi and other major cities in Kenya calling for an end to femicide and violence against women.
Speaking during the event at Nakuru’s Nyayo Gardens on Saturday, the activists led by Zaha Indimuli pointed out that there has been increase in Femicide with a record of more than 170 femicide cases recorded in 2024.
She added that men are not left behind as they are also part of statistics.
Ms Indimuli who is National Advocacy head at the End Femicide KE Movement, called for a collective responsibility.
“It is time that we are saying that we need to work together as stakeholders in ending femicides,” she stated.
Sentiments echoed by End Femicide KE Movement Nakuru Coordinator Dorice Achieng’.
Ms Achieng’ called on government to ensure that perpetrators of Femicide and gender based violence are dealt with.
“We need to take this issue of Femicide serious and ensure action towards ending the same,” she said.
According to Ms Achieng’, No one should be left behind in the campaign to end femicide in the country.
On his part, Martin Lunalo – the Executive Director Reproductive Health Champion Organization (RHCO) called on Kenya Kwanza Government to act and ensure progressive legislation that will help address the rising cases of Femicide.
“As Civil society organizations, we have played our part through this End Femicide KE Movement. Therefore the problem is not ours but The government should step in and ensure progressive legislation on the same,” he stated.
He added that time is now that Lawmakers should play their part in matters ending Femicide.
Lunalo at the same time slammed Women Representatives in the National Assembly who have been allocated Sh 900,000 on matters Femicide and other forms of GBV.
According to him, the Lawmakers have remained silent with no tangible solution.
Lunalo called on County Assembly and National Assembly to ensure more budgeting and framework towards protection of women and girls.
“At the county we have Gender docket that has always received less budget. Where could the problem be? I think the County Assembly should work closely with the CECM Gender to ensure proper allocation that can help end Femicide and other forms of GBV,” stated Lunalo.
Mary Liz from End Femicide KE Movement addressing press in Nakuru.PHOTO/PRISTONE.
National Coordinator advocacy at End Femicide KE Mary Liz lauded the efforts made by civil society.
She called on President William Ruto to work closely with the civil society and ensure the various committees formed are inclusive.
“We are seeing National Government forming committees on Femicide cases but we are left out. Our appeal to President William Ruto is that let him work with stakeholders who have been spearheading End Femicide KE Movement so that we can have a society free of Femicide cases,” she said.
Sentiments echoed by Coordinator End Femicide KE Movement Ms Melvine Ogola.
She noted that the campaign has continued to create impact in communities.
According to her, despite the effort made through the movement, there still lack policy framework and implementation on the issues of Femicide.
She called on women in leadership to be in the forefront in the campaign against Femicide.
“We want implementation of all policies on GBV in this country,” she said.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Elizabeth Murage from Nakuru Level 5 Hospital GBV Recovery Centre Called on survivors of GBV to seek free services offered at the facility.
Nakuru CECM for Gender Youth Sports and Social Services Josephine Achieng’ flanked by human rights defenders addressing press in Nakuru on matters Femicide.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.
On her part Nakuru CECM for Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Services Josephine Achieng’ who represented Governor Susan Kihika highlighted that the county government is working closely with stakeholders to ensure an end to GBV.
She pointed out that there is a recovery centre at the Nakuru Level 5 where referrals are always made with a toll free number 1195 and 1196 where GBV cases for women and men respectively can be reported.
Security team was also represented by Deputy Sub County Police Commander Nakuru East, OCS Bondeni, Deputy OCS Central, Chief’s and Assistant Chiefs.
The team called on members of society to desist from solving GBV cases out of court as this derails justice.
Nakuru MCAs Fadhili Msuri(Biashara), Neto Sakwa(Kivumbini),David Muraya(Flamingo), Keziah Okumu(Nominated) who were also in attendance vowed to work closely with stakeholders in ending GBV cases.