Women’s rights organisations across Kenya have called on President William Ruto to declare femicide a national emergency, describing it as a growing threat to national security and public safety. The appeal follows a surge in reported killings of women, including the widely publicised deaths of Starlet Wahu and university student Rita Waeni, whose brutal murder in January sparked nationwide outrage. Activists say these tragedies highlight a disturbing trend of gender-based violence that continues to claim women’s lives with alarming frequency.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, more than 100 women’s groups urged the government to take immediate and decisive measures to address the crisis. The coalition, led by Africans Rising for Unity, Justice, Peace and Dignity, announced plans for a peaceful march at Jeevanjee Gardens on January 27, 2024, to demand justice for victims and stronger protection for women. They also appealed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa to fast-track policies that safeguard women’s rights and ensure perpetrators of gender-based violence face prosecution.
The organisations, among them FIDA Kenya, CREAW Kenya, and the Feminist for Peace Rights and Justice Centre, condemned the increasing normalization of violence against women and called for national introspection. Every life lost to femicide represents a failure of the state and society to protect its citizens, their joint statement read. They noted that the trend is fueled by deeply rooted gender inequality, online exploitation, and weak law enforcement mechanisms. Many activists argue that the current legal framework lacks sufficient deterrents, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity.
Human rights defenders have welcomed the growing momentum around the anti-femicide movement, saying it marks a critical step toward ending gender-based killings. They also emphasized the need for long-term structural reforms, including public education on gender equity, improved victim support services, and stricter oversight of law enforcement agencies handling such cases. As protests and public discussions continue, the government faces mounting pressure to act decisively. Declaring femicide a national emergency, advocates say, would signal a turning point—one where Kenya takes a firm stand to protect women and reaffirm its constitutional commitment to the right to life, dignity, and security for all.