Lamu, Baringo, Wajir favourable for women aspirants - Fida

Lamu, Baringo and Wajir are among the counties that are most favourable to women aspirants on their campaign trail.

This is according to data from the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) collected by their Election Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) monitors across the country.

The more than 100 monitors have been on the ground since April documenting incidences of SGBV perpetration against women aspirants, voters and supporters.

“Lamu and Baringo recorded two incidences of SGBV each followed by Turkana and Wajir counties with three incidences each,” FIDA reported.

Kiambu, Nyeri and Migori recorded five incidences each.

Siaya county reported 59 cases against women aspirants and supporters, the highest countrywide.

It was followed by Nairobi and Kisumu which recorded 40 incidences each.

“Kericho and Marsabit counties recorded 33 cases each,” they said.

Other counties also recorded large numbers of cases ranging from 26 to 15 including Kisii, Nakuru, Vihiga, Busia, Narok, Vihiga, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Mombasa, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia and Kilifi.

These cases, FIDA said, will help map out potential risk areas for further SGBV in case of election violence.

FIDA reported that verbal abuse and hate speech was the highest form of GBV recorded with more than 416 cases recorded across the country.

“The second highest form of abuse against women aspirants was Cyber Bullying. Over 117 cases were recorded countrywide,” FIDA said.

Sexual harassment and physical assault cases were 40 and 35 while organised crime by gangs was 16 and attempted rape incidences were 14.

“Cultural events including church gatherings and funerals recorded the highest incidences of SGBV followed by online platforms then official government functions and fundraisers,” FIDA said.

During the launch of the report, FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Nancy Ikinu said that they are working closely with other agencies on the ground to respond to matters arising.

“Our monitors will liaise with the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC), Community Based Organisations, the National Police Service and Health Facilities,” she said.

She said monitors will help survivors of SGBV during the polls to get referrals to these agencies as well as legal aid through FIDA’s 50 pro-bono lawyers.

“Under our Vote, A Dada campaign that advocates for more women in leadership, we shall also open our legal aid clinic to women aspirants who may wish to contest their elections after the results have been released,” Ikinu announced.

Apart from training the election monitors, Ikinu said that they built the capacity of over 60 healthcare providers to document and preserve evidence during emergency situations.

“This is to ensure that evidence presented in court is not limited by insufficiencies,” she added.

FIDA also launched an online Elections Observation Center of their own to monitor the electoral process as it goes on to ensure they are credible, fair and inclusive.