•The CRA commissioner stated that in 2022, a Bill was presented in Parliament that was passed as a nod to the Muslim learners in various schools to wear Hijabs.
·Women were urged to be cautious about accepting free offers online.
Image: TONY WAFULA
Muslim women in the Western region have expressed concerns about the increasing cases of femicide in the country, cautioning women against online interactions with strangers that may escalate into harm.
They strongly condemn these femicide incidents, asserting that women, like any other Kenyans, deserve respect and security.
Jemila Salim, addressing the issue at Muslim Primary School in Bungoma on World Hijab Day, attributes the surge in cases to social media's negative influence and advises women to use it wisely.
She added that Muslim women are unhappy with how women are being killed in Kenya affirming to stand strong to protect women rights.
“The rate at which our ladies are being murdered is alarming, we should all stand up to protect these, please our ladies don’t be cheated on by the people you don’t know online,” She said.
Salim contends that adopting a modest attire, adhering to African culture, and staying true to one's religion can contribute to addressing femicide.
Emphasizing the significance of behavior, associations, and attire, he urges adherence to religious values and discourages imitation of foreign cultures.
Salim urged women to be cautious about accepting free offers online, as they may lead to perilous consequences.
Khadija Juma, Commissioner at Commission Revenue Allocation (CRA) and Patron of Western Kenya Muslim Sacco, highlighted the importance of World Hijab Day in educating the public, especially Muslims, on the significance of wearing a Hijab.
Juma advocated for schools in Kenya to allow learners to wear Hijabs, emphasizing that it is a form of worship and discouraging restrictions some schools impose on this religious practice.
The CRA commissioner stated that in 2022, a Bill was presented in Parliament that was passed as a nod to the Muslim learners in various schools to wear Hijabs.
“Some school managers are chasing learners who put on Hijabs while in school. I want to tell them that it is in the law and should be allowed in class like any other learner,” the commissioner said, adding that the problem is mostly found in Western region.
On Femicide cases, Juma asked parents to give proper guidance to the girls.
Rahma Issa, Social advocate, maternal and newborn health financing Enthusiast, told the Star that the government should set up safe houses where the gender based violence (GBV) survivors can be protected and get counseling services, adding that the center should also offer health services in case it is needed.
Further, Issa urged those in the judicial systems to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book saying that they are tired seeing the cases taking too long before they are served.
“Our people are being killed and we should not take it lightly,” she said, accusing county governments of taking too long to pass the existing policies," she stated.