Murdered women's rights and land rights defender, Elizabeth Ibrahim Ekaru, was a highly decorated rights activist.
According to The Untold Stories of Women’s Rights Leaders, a publication by the Katiba Institute, Ekaru was awarded many fetes for her stellar activism.
She was a recipient of a Head of State Commendation award for her role at the front lines of defending human rights in Isiolo County.
“She received the accolade during former President Mwai Kibaki’s regime when she was serving as the Chairperson of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake organisation,” read the publication.
The award followed her efforts to resolve conflict during ethnic clashes in the regions of Kirema, Mai Mahiu, and Naivasha in 2005.
Ekaru was found with stab wounds on Monday 3, and it is alleged that she was murdered by a neighbour over a land dispute.
Women human rights defenders have condemned the gruesome murder of women's rights activist and land rights advocate Elizabeth Ekaru.
They condemned the heinous act through a press statement released on Tuesday.
“The barbaric murder of human rights defender Elizabeth brings to the fore the pervasive nature of incidences of violence against women and girls in Kenya.”
Her killing while defending land rights, they said, was a true testament to the risks and challenges women activists face while doing legitimate work.
“The suspected murderer was subjected to a mob beating resulting in injuries and is currently recuperating at a local hospital under police guard,” the women activists said.
The publication also recognised that Ekaru was nominated to represent Isiolo in the Bomas national constitutional conference as part of the process that led to the formation of the Kenya 2010 Constitution.
“Through her work and determination, she was appointed peace ambassador representing a group of women from 12 counties who had a goal of enhancing peace and security in their counties,” it added.
The women activists called upon the relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations on the matter and deliver prompt justice for Ekaru.
