Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has asked for the construction of a special police unit inside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to address the country’s escalating femicide rate.
Waiguru stated that the unit within the DCI’s existing structure will aid in the investigation and prevention of the country’s ongoing female homicides.
While referring to femicide as the most extreme form of violence against women, the Governor stated that a long-term solution to the killings of women and girls must be found.
She stated that the widely reported killings of women around the country are appalling and indicate an increasingly serious national femicide epidemic.
Speaking at St. Mary’s ACK Church Ngariama in Gichugu Sub-County, Waiguru stated that all government agencies must act quickly to prevent further escalation of the deaths.
Waiguru stated that as Kenya commemorates 16 days of gender activism, the country should not see an increase in femicide or gender-based violence, and urged a determined effort to reverse the trend.
The Governor stated that other stakeholders in the justice system must also develop specific teams to deal with the situation in order to secure justice for the victims.
While denouncing the violent crimes, Waiguru urged authorities to act quickly and bring the perpetrators to court.
Police sprayed tear gas at anti-femicide demonstrations in Nairobi’s Jeevanjee Gardens.
The demonstrators gathered at the Garden to demand that President William Ruto proclaim femicide a national tragedy.
This comes as Kenya launches its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
On Wednesday, Ruto announced that the 16-day activity would feature the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign, which aims to put an end to femicide.
Ruto promised Sh100 million to the campaign during a meeting with women leaders at the State House.
He stated that the government was dedicated to adopting policies that would put an end to the country’s rising femicide rate.
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