Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-27 16:07:34
Chants, wails, and screams echoed through the streets of Nairobi on Saturday, as women gathered for a protest against the rising cases of femicide. The emotional demonstration, led by the Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri, demanded greater support from the government to expedite the legal proceedings of gender-based violence cases. Theuri pointed out that the scarcity of judges and magistrates has contributed to the slow progress in hearing these cases. Despite existing gaps in the justice system, he particularly emphasized the need for improved investigations of online crimes, requiring specialized resources and training to achieve this. Before the rally commenced, Nairobi Women’s Representative Esther Passaris was met with protests from the women, questioning her absence and urging her to leave. The women then embarked on their march, using familiar protest songs and blocking the streets in their demand to end femicide. Despite the chaotic nature of the protests, their message remained clear and unified: “Stop killing us!” The growing anger and distress among the female demonstrators were justified, given the alarming trend of women being murderously targeted. Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma and Garissa Woman Representative Amina Siyad, among others, expressed their solidarity with the protesters and called for swift legislative action to combat sexual violence. At the forefront of this powerful display of unity was Njeri Migwi, founder of Usikimye, accompanied by other women’s rights advocates, speaking out in remembrance of the slain victims. The powerful voice of change was further amplified by Wangu Kanja, the founder of the Wangu Kanja Foundation, who sternly warned the government to either fulfill their responsibility or face further mass protests. Despite encounters with disapproving onlookers during the demonstration, the strong conviction of these women stood unwavering. The nationwide protest, which encompassed 11 counties, was in response to the escalating number of women being murdered, with a majority of the victims being killed by intimate partners. This relentless movement against femicide urged the country to take immediate and effective steps to protect women and prevent these senseless deaths from continuing.
