No more: Gender CS Aisha Jumwa condemns rising femicide cases

Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage CS Aisha Jumwa. [File, Standard]

Gender, Culture and Arts Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has condemned the recent acts of violence against women in the country.

Her statement follows the brutal murder of 20-year-old Rita Waeni Muendo at an apartment on TRM Drive, Nairobi, and that of Starlet Wahu at an apartment in South C, Nairobi, all within two weeks.

"We condemn the heinous acts in the strongest terms possible. It is unacceptable that women continue to be targeted and dehumanized in such a manner," she noted.

Further, Jumwa, who has attracted criticism online for not speaking on the matter in timely fashion, denounced the victimization of women, urging the need to address the rising femicide cases in Kenya.

"We further denounce the shaming of victims as in doing so, they suffer double victimization. These senseless acts of violence not only rob individuals of their lives and dignity but also inflict immeasurable pain and suffering on their families and communities."

The Cabinet Secretary, in a statement dated Thursday, January 18, reiterated her ministry's commitment to promoting a culture of respect, equality and safety for all individuals in the country.

Jumwa wants the perpetrators to face the law.

"We encourage the public to stand united against violence and to support efforts to create safer environments for women and girls," said the CS.

Several Human Rights organisations have also condemned the acts of violence against women. They have organized a marching protest slated for January 27 in Nairobi.