In a powerful display of solidarity against the recent surge in femicides, thousands of Kenyans took to the streets in cities and towns across the country on Saturday. The anti-femicide protest, believed to be the largest of its kind in Kenya, aimed to draw attention to the alarming rate at which women are being killed and to demand justice for the victims.
In Nairobi, the capital city, protesters wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the names of women who lost their lives this month marched through the streets, causing traffic to come to a halt. Cries of 'Stop killing us!' echoed through the crowd, as they displayed signs bearing messages such as 'There is no justification to kill women.' The predominantly female demonstrators sent a clear message that enough is enough and that the violence against women must cease.
However, the crowd in Nairobi didn't hold back their frustrations towards Esther Passaris, the parliamentary representative for women, accusing her of remaining silent amid the recent wave of killings. Chants of 'Where were you?' and 'Go home!' reverberated through the throngs of protesters, indicating their disappointment with the lack of action from elected officials.
Eric Theuri, the President of the Law Society of Kenya, who joined the demonstrators, emphasized the importance of caring for the weak and vulnerable in a nation. 'A country is judged by not how well it treats its rich people but how well it takes care of the weak and vulnerable,' he stated. His words struck a chord with the protesters, highlighting the urgent need for societal change and the protection of women's lives.
Disturbingly, Kenyan media outlets have reported the killings of at least 14 women since the beginning of this year alone. Patricia Andago, a data journalist at media and research firm Odipo Dev, revealed that their research indicated over 500 cases of femicide from January 2016 to December 2023. Shockingly, many more cases go unreported, leaving countless women at risk and justice out of reach.
Among the cases that have recently rocked Kenya, two stand out due to their particularly horrific nature. Both involved women who lost their lives while staying at Airbnb accommodations. In one instance, a university student was kidnapped for ransom, then brutally dismembered and decapitated. Her head was discovered in a dam a week after her dismembered body was found in a trash can at the rented home. Two Nigerian men were subsequently arrested in connection with her death.
In another case, a young woman went to an apartment after meeting a man online, only to be found murdered with multiple stab wounds. The suspect, identified as John Matara, is currently in police custody. Shockingly, several women have come forward to claim that they had previously reported acts of torture by Matara, but he was never charged. This highlights the need for a more effective and responsive justice system that recognizes and addresses the danger posed by repeat offenders.
Eric Theuri, speaking from the perspective of the president of the Law Society of Kenya, argued that the slow judicial process perpetuates a culture in which perpetrators feel emboldened to commit crimes against women. He pointed out the severe shortage of judges, magistrates, and adjudicators, which results in a significant delay in hearing cases related to gender-based violence. The lack of resources allocated to the justice system creates an environment where accountability and timely justice become elusive.
The fight against femicide and gender-based violence continues to be an urgent battle in Kenya. The overwhelming response from thousands of people joining the nationwide protest serves as a stark reminder that the country must do more to protect its women and ensure justice is served. With the collective voices of Kenyans demanding change, it is vital that the government, law enforcement agencies, and society as a whole come together to address this pressing issue. The recognition of women's rights and the creation of safer communities for all citizens must remain at the forefront of the nation's agenda.
