The Catholic Church on Friday, November 22, 2024, issued a statement supporting the government in its fight against femicide.
Through the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi Rev Simon Peter Kamomoe, the church weighed in on the menace, saying women should be protected.
“In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a troubling pattern of women losing their lives in gruesome murders and under unclear circumstances. Such acts are not only a grave violation of human rights but also a deeply concerning trend that warrants urgent attention,” said the church.
Adding: “While we support the government’s actions in addressing this menace, we, the Archdiocese of Nairobi, in collaboration with the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action call upon Christians and people of goodwill to act as our sister’s keeper."
Bishop Kamomoe said society is judged by how it treats the most vulnerable members and women require protection and deserve to feel safe.
“Taking personal responsibility to be ‘my sister’s keeper’ is a vital step in ensuring that the women around us- be they spouses, colleagues, family members, or friends- feel secure.
“We implore you to take the lead in safeguarding women in your midst. This act of care and protection is a reflection of our Christian values of love and respect for one another,” he asserted.
Kamomoe further urged parents to keep a keen eye on their children amidst the long December holidays. “We particularly urge parents to ensure the safety of their children, especially during the long holidays, when they may often be left alone at home,” the bishops stated.
His comments come in the wake of President Ruto’s directives to address the alarming scourge of femicide in the country. Earlier this week, Ruto announced a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence.
Addressing the press at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, President Ruto noted that the campaign dubbed the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign would begin on Monday, November 25.
While pledging the government's full support towards the campaign, Ruto announced the allocation of Ksh100 million to support the programme which is geared towards educating young women on the dangers of engaging with strangers. The programme is set to be led by women leaders across the country.
At the same time, Ruto while delivering his State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 21, urged Kenyan parents to promote good morals in boys from an early age to prevent them from engaging in gender-based violence in their adult lives.
“It is time for each of us, to do our part in raising boys into morally upright men who will never need to affirm their masculinity at the expense of women,” Ruto stated.
