Chief Justice Martha Koome on Thursday, October 31, broke her silence regarding the alarming cases of femicide in the country.
Speaking while launching the National Child Justice Month in Kiambu, the Chief Justice called upon Kenyans to be alive to the surge in femicide cases in the country.
“As we address the protection and dignity of children in conflict with the law, our conscience cannot ignore the shadows cast over our society by the rising scourge of femicide.” the CJ noted.
The CJ stressed that women and girls in the community are at the moment very vulnerable, adding that the tragic cases of sexual assault and brutal murders of women and girls laid bare the profound failure in the collective duty of protecting the most vulnerable.
“Women and girls in our communities - those who are our daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends - are enduring unspeakable violence,” she added.
Chief Justice Koome urged Kenyans to speak up and commit to ensuring that the systems that facilitate violent crimes are demolished. She added that the legal system was not enough to combat the terror of femicide in the country and that Kenyans have an extraordinary role to play.
“To every Kenyan, I say this: we must break the silence, speak out, and dismantle the systems that allow such heinous acts to go unchecked,” she went on.
The CJ added that police officers, community leaders, and all citizens must join hands to work together to ensure that girls and women are safe in their homes, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. “Preventing violence against women and girls is not just a legal responsibility; it is a moral duty shared by each one of us.” the CJ said.
“We must commit to creating communities where women and girls feel safe, valued, and respected. Combating femicide requires not just legal intervention but societal transformation—an unwavering belief that no woman or girl should ever feel her life is disposable.” the CJ reiterated.
The CJ’s comments came barely a day after the National Police Service, through the Deputy Police Inspector General of Police, revealed that 97 women have been killed in the past three months.
Stressing on this issue, CJ Koome believes a multi-sectoral approach can help tackle the issue. “This alarming state of crisis demands action from every corner of our society. I call upon all law enforcement agencies, agencies in the justice sector, social services, and civil society organizations to intensify their vigilance and protective measures,” said the Chief Justice.
Amid an uproar over femicide in the country, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) also recently called for President Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis.
“The President should officially declare femicide a national crisis and a disaster, assuring the public that this administration is actively working to protect women and girls across the nation,” read part of the statement by FIDA.
