The rise in femicide in Kenya is disturbing many Kenyans, including activists, civil society groups and the ordinary citizens, who are urging the government to declare the crisis as a national emergency.
In the recent months, there have been reported cases of women and children killed either by intimate partners, acquaintances or a random acts of violence while l the children are abducted by unknown individuals and later found dead.
Advocacy groups argue that the killings is part of a systematic failure to protect women and children.
Women’s rights organizations are calling for a better governance, better enforcement of existing protections and establishment of specialized gender-based violence units within the police.
Campaigns have started on social media under hashtag #StopFemicideKE amplifying voices of survivors and families and demanding accountability. Leaders and the national police service have acknowledged the problem, stating action will be taken against those breaking the law.
Kenyans want the government to declare femicide a national emergency would force institutions to prioritize prevention, protection and justice.