Lawmakers launch campaign to tackle rising femicide, GBV

Kenya Women Parliamentary Association members led by Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris during a recent meeting in Nairobi. [Standard, File]

Lawmakers have launched a nationwide campaign to address the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide.

The initiative, "Komesha Dhuluma," aims to focus on the root causes of the violence.

The government has allocated Sh100 million to fund the two-and-a-half-month campaign, involving 102 MPs.

These include 47 Woman Representatives, 28 constituency MPs, 6 nominated National Assembly members, 3 elected Senators, and 18 nominated Senators.

Each MP will lead community outreach programmes in their constituencies to raise awareness and provide support.

Leah Sankaire, Chairperson of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (Kewopa Kenya), said the initiative will bring the message closer to the community.

"This campaign is for our people at the grassroots level. Previous national campaigns have raised awareness, but we must now bring the message closer to the community," she said.

The campaign will include organisations such as the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), and the National Gender and Equality Commission.

However, some have questioned whether the effort will lead to meaningful change.

In a message delivered by a representative, President William Ruto called for a tailored approach.

"Counties with high rates of GBV may require more emergency response resources, while others might need programs focusing on education, prevention, and community engagement," he said.

The launch follows a rise in femicide cases in 2024, including the killings of a family in Eastleigh and journalist Lillian Achieng' Aluko.

Civil society organisations have called for femicide to be declared a national disaster.

Lilian Gogo called for coordination with law enforcement and the Judiciary.

"We must work closely with the Inspector General of Police and the Judiciary to ensure perpetrators are held accountable," she said.

The campaign will conclude on International Women's Day, March 8.