Femicide perpetrators must be held accountable, Prime CS Mudavadi, Ruto’s advisor Chiggai affirm

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and president William Ruto’s advisor on Women’s Rights, Harriette Chiggai have said government will deal decisively and in real time with perpetrators of gender based violence.

They made the remarks today during the launch of “Safe Homes Safe Spaces” initiative in Kakamega county today which aims to reduce incidents of sexual and gender-based violence through awareness creation, advocacy and media campaigns, strategic support and targeted legal and institutional reforms.

Chiggai added that the government is exploring mechanisms to establish a sustainable Gender Based Violence (GBV) fund, amid concerns of skyrocketing cases in the country.

Mudavadi has said monies from the kitty will help support relevant government programs and campaigns towards addressing GBV and ensure comprehensive support for survivors, as part of initiatives to make the country safe for all.

“GBV is a major violation of women’s human rights as well as a criminal and social problem. We are particularly concerned about the alarming cases of violence against women, including intimate partner violence, reported in Kenya in recent months. This trend shows a breakdown in our values and morals. It exposes the glaring gender inequalities and discrimination against women and girls in our society.” Mudavadi regretted.

He said that millions of women and girls suffer from this vice in every country and culture worldwide, with the United Nations Women’s report released two weeks ago indicating that nearly one in three women globally experience violence in their lifetime.

Similarly, femicide-related cases cause a woman to lose her life every 10 minutes and Africa has the highest number of reported femicides cases in 2022 compared to other regions.

The report further indicated that Africa recorded the largest ‘absolute and relative’ numbers of female intimate partner and family-related killings in 2023, with an estimated prevalence of 2.9 victims per 100,000 females.

This was attributed to prevailing high patriarchal societies where men have authority over women in all aspects, from politics to morals to economics and even to the actions of women.
“GBV has far-reaching consequences across various sectors in society.

Apart from causing injuries and even death the victims, it directly costs economies up to 4 per cent of national output. GBV remains a major barrier against women’s participation in education and the labour market.” Mudavadi said.

He said it is time for all Kenyans to say enough is enough and must turn around and forge a different path that will override social and cultural stigma, lack of funding and poor coordination of anti-GBV programs.

Mudavadi said fighting GBV requires concerted efforts by government, faith-based organizations, parents, teachers, civil society and all citizens of goodwill.

He insisted that perpetrators of femicide must be held fully accountable for their criminal acts and criminal justice actors must execute their mandates in real-time, without delay.

“We embrace the call by president William Ruto, to all citizens to join him in reversing the increasing cases of femicide. We cannot continue living in a country where our girls and women are not guaranteed they will arrive safely at their destinations anytime they take public transportation or walk home.” He added.

And added: “We cannot live in a country where our boys and girls are depressed and suffering mental health due to cyberbullying, harassment, abuse and sextortion each time they log onto online social media portals.”

Mudavadi reiterated the need for law enforcement agencies to undertake their duties with patriotism and due care for GBV victims and their families.

This includes enhancing gender desks at Police stations and hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care.

He also urged all counties to consider creating a dedicated budget line to cater for gender parity activities at the grassroots levels.

Chiggai said the initiative will address systemic challenges, including domestic violence, violence against children and harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation.

“The Safe Homes Safe Spaces Initiative is aimed at creating a safer environment for all Kenyans, with special emphasis on women and children of Kenya.” Chiggai said.

In her remarks she pointed out that the 2023 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveals over 11 million women (20% of the population) having experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime. Of these, 2.8 million experienced this violence in the past 12 months.

“I encourage all victims of SGBV to report cases of abuse without fear. Our laws have gone beyond the physical offences and now provide for SGBV offences committed online. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, 2018 was enacted to penalize perpetrators who use technology as a tool of violence.” Chiggai said.

“I am aware in all the 47 Counties we have active GBV and FGM Working Groups which play a crucial role in coordinating comprehensive responses to gender-based violence. The Victim Protection Act provides for the use of witness protection boxes in court and concealment of identity of vulnerable witnesses such as children and victims of sexual violence. A witness can be placed under the Witness Protection Agency in the event that they are facing threats and intimidation.” She added.

Chiggai noted the initiative will focus on awareness around safety, community engagement, and public welfare.

“Today’s launch sees us partner with key transport sector players to enhance road safety and increase public awareness on gender violence issues, while focusing on boda boda (motorcycle taxis) safety.”  She said.

She urged all Kenyans to join the Safe Homes Safe Spaces Initiative and help change the trajectory of GBV and femicide statistics.