- Sankaire said the ministry should elaborate on the strategies put in place to address rising crimes against women.
- She regretted that women continue to be unsafe in public places, even in their own homes.
Image: HANDOUT
Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has 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.
In a statement, Sankaire said the ministry should elaborate on the strategies put in place to address rising crimes against women.
“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.
She added that they will also champion policy reforms by the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.
She further said they will push for development of guidelines on the provision of legal, medical, psychosocial and other support to survivors and victims’ families.
“KEWOPA firmly states that violence against women and femicide is not a women’s issue but issues of security, safety, dignity and law,” Sankaire added.
As people around the world mark Valentine’s Day, Kenyan women donned black outfits and held lit candles and red roses at a vigil in honour of those who have been murdered lately.
Wednesday’s vigil in Nairobi was organised by End Femicide Kenya Movement.
The vigil followed nationwide marches in January in which Kenyans took part to demand government action on preventing and prosecuting cases of sexual and gender-based violence and femicide.