Kaliani residents in Machakos County over the weekend held peaceful protests against the rising cases of femicide in the country.
The residents also protested against defilement and rape.
Led by Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Convener Rachael Mwikali, the residents also put religious leaders on the spot over their silence on femicide.
“We are currently in the month of Ramadhan and Easter is also fast approaching. Where are these religious leaders? We want to see them come out strongly to condemn these killings,” Mwikali said.
“Instead of using this period to condemn the killings and abuse of rights, they are busy holding meetings in places of worship and hotels talking about people’s lifestyles and choices,” she said.
The residents walked for more than 10 kilometres in their demand for justice.
Mwikali also urged the leaders to be careful of their condemnation of LGBTQ rights.
“These people also have a right to live in the society. Some of these leaders’ sentiments have led to the killing of these people,” she said.
Last month, a 40-year-old man was arrested for defiling his daughter in Athi River Machakos County.
Police said the suspect has been on the run since committing the crime.
Mwikali said many women and girls going through GBV are suffering in silence.
“Some perpetrators are church leaders while some are husbands, fathers and brothers — the people they trust the most,” she said.
On February 15, the Kenya Women’s Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) demanded that the Ministry of Interior issue a statement outlining the progress of investigations into cases of femicide.
KEWOPA chairperson Leah Sankaire said the ministry must come out clear on the number of suspects apprehended and arraigned.
“KEWOPA calls upon the government to urgently act towards prevention of violence and strengthen protection of women and girls from all forms of violence in accordance with the law,” she stated.
Sankaire regretted that women continue to be unsafe in public places, even in their own homes.
“As a follow-up to our statement released on January 16, 2024, we are shocked and outraged that the killings are still on the rise. Even the response to action for investigations and prosecution has been slow,” she said.
She said women MPs will move to identify legislative gaps in laws and policies governing violence against women such as the Penal Code.
