State House advisor on Women’s rights has condemned the ongoing cases of killings targeted on women in the country, calling for stiffer penalties on perpetrators.
In a statement on Friday, January 19, the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriette Chiggai noted with concern the objectivity abuse of women in the country.
She condemned comments from individuals stating that the latest victims of femicide Starlet Wahu, Rita Waeni and others deserved not to be killed.
Chiggai also noted with concern that the society had allowed such a decay that did not hold human life sacred and stood by as attack on women continued.
“I have seen comments from different quarters stating that our children, Starlet Wahu, Rita Waeni and just yesterday, a woman who was killed by her husband deserved to be killed!
“These and many other women and girls have suffered the fate of violence that we as a society have refused to address. Those who are planning to rape and kill our girls, we are putting you on notice, your days are numbered!” she stated.
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State House on Next Steps to Adress Femicide in the Country
Chiggai Indicated that the government will work with the judiciary to expedite cases of intimate partner violence and recognize them for their misogynistic nature.
“It is therefore my commitment and that of the government to do all within our power first to nab the suspects but to also urge the judiciary to expedite cases of intimate partner violence.
“To that effect, I will continue engaging and working together with the judiciary to see how best we can ensure survivors are treated with dignity in courts and that these cases do not delay. I also commit to working with my sisters in Parliament to push for stiffer penalties,” she added.
Additionally, the president’s advisor also noted that the government will ensure survivors are treated with dignity in courts.
To effectively effect changes on frameworks and policies, the government will be collecting data by conducting county visits to engage with women and children.
“We urge religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women and help the congregation understand that women’s rights are also human rights creating a positive environment for women and children.
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“The Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor has an open-door policy for all matters women’s rights and this is to let you know that we are here to work together to form solutions that will last for generations to come.
Advice to Kenyans and Women
President William Ruto‘s advisor asked Kenyans to be mindful and not add on the judgement that is already being witnessed in the country, especially being sensitive to the families affected.
“They need our love and compassion and not rebuke. By re-victimizing the dead we are akin to dancing on the graves of women who have fallen victim to people they trusted.
“Let us put all our hands on deck from wherever we are to respond to these heinous crimes,” added the statement.
Additionally, she asked women in Kenya to stay cautious while engaging with individuals online adding that Gender Based Violence (GBV) was being done online.
“This is because GBV has now taken the form of technologically facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
“I want to acknowledge the women’s rights defenders from every ward in the country, I assure you of my unrelenting quest to ensure that all women are safe,” stated Chiggai.
