Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-17 16:30:37
Parliament recently engaged in a crucial debate over a petition presented by Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris, advocating for amendments to the Penal Code to specifically criminalize sextortion. Sextortion is a form of sexual exploitation that has been on the rise in both the public and private sectors throughout the nation. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, sextortion involves online predators manipulating individuals into providing nude images or videos, then demanding money, additional images, or other favors under the threat of sharing the compromising material with the victim’s friends and family.
Passaris emphasized the seriousness of sextortion, describing it as a blatant abuse of power where individuals in positions of authority exploit others for sexual favors. She highlighted the detrimental impact sextortion has on victims and the erosion of trust in institutions. Passaris pointed out that the existing legal framework in Kenya lacks specific provisions to address sextortion effectively, hindering law enforcement and victim support mechanisms.
As an elected Women’s Representative, Passaris passionately argued for the urgent need to redefine legal boundaries and protections to combat sextortion. She urged the Public Petitions Committee to amend the laws to include clear penalties, support systems for victims, and accountability measures to eradicate this harmful practice. Members of Parliament, including Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi and Naivasha MP Jayne Wanjiru, expressed their support for the petition, highlighting the need for comprehensive changes across all relevant legislation to eliminate the expectation of sexual favors for personal or professional advancement.
The proposed amendments would not only impact the Penal Code but also other laws such as the Kenya Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018. Specifically, Section 37 of the Act, which addresses the misuse of digital platforms for sharing intimate images, is set for review under Passaris’s proposed legislative framework. Additionally, amendments to Section 18 of the Penal Code concerning trafficking for sexual exploitation were discussed, emphasizing the gravity of the issue at hand.
MP Samuel Atandi from Alego Usonga joined the chorus of voices supporting the eradication of sextortion, emphasizing that no one should have to compromise their dignity or career over sexual demands. The collective plea from members of Parliament underscored the importance of taking decisive action to address this pervasive form of exploitation in society.
In conclusion, the petition spearheaded by Esther Passaris seeks to address the growing threat of sextortion by introducing specific legal provisions to combat this insidious practice. By redefining the boundaries of sexual exploitation and establishing robust support systems for victims, Parliament aims to protect individuals from coercion and abuse while upholding the integrity of professional and personal relationships. The proposed amendments signify a step forward in the fight against sextortion and the protection of vulnerable individuals in society.
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