The Catholic Church published a statement on Friday, November 22, 2024, supporting the government’s efforts to combat femicide.
The church responded to the threat through the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, Rev Simon Peter Kamomoe, stating that women must be protected.
“In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a troubling pattern of women losing their lives in gruesome murders and under unclear circumstances,” said the church.“
Such acts are not only a grave violation of human rights but also a deeply concerning trend that warrants urgent attention.”Adding:
“While we support the government’s actions in addressing this menace, we, the Archdiocese of Nairobi, in collaboration with the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action call upon Christians and people of goodwill to act as our sister’s keeper.”
Bishop Kamomoe stated that society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable people, and women require protection and deserve to feel protected.
“Taking personal responsibility to be ‘my sister’s keeper’ is a vital step in ensuring that the women around us- be they spouses, colleagues, family members, or friends- feel secure. “We implore you to take the lead in safeguarding women in your midst. This act of care and protection is a reflection of our Christian values of love and respect for one another,” he asserted.
Kamomoe also asked parents to keep a close eye on their children over the extended December vacations.
“We particularly urge parents to ensure the safety of their children, especially during the long holidays, when they may often be left alone at home,” the bishops stated.
His statements follow President Ruto’s directives to combat the grave pandemic of femicide in the country. Earlier this week, Ruto announced a 16-day campaign to combat female violence.
Addressing the press at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, President Ruto announced that the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign would commence on Monday, November 25.
Ruto pledged the government’s full support for the campaign and announced an allocation of Ksh100 million to fund the programme.
The initiative aims to educate young women about the perils of connecting with strangers. The programme will be led by women leaders from across the country.
At the same time, during his State of the Nation speech on Thursday, November 21, Ruto urged Kenyan parents to instill strong morals in boys from a young age in order to prevent them from indulging in gender-based violence as adults.
“It is time for each of us, to do our part in raising boys into morally upright men who will never need to affirm their masculinity at the expense of women,” Ruto stated.
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