President William Ruto addressed the nation on the troubling surge in femicide cases, describing it as both a moral and criminal issue.
Speaking at the African Divine Church in Nairobi, he expressed deep concern over the increasing number of women who, instead of experiencing love and safety in relationships, have become victims of violent murders.
President Ruto pledged to enhance the resources and training for Kenya’s police force to combat femicide more effectively. “We are committed to equipping our police to handle this crisis,” he assured the congregation.
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However, he emphasized that police action alone is insufficient, calling on families, communities, and individuals to confront what he termed “the moral decay” contributing to this violence. “As Kenyans, we must ask ourselves what we can do personally, rather than pointing fingers at others,” he urged.
The President's remarks come amid intensifying calls from human rights groups, such as the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), for the government to declare femicide a national disaster.
These organizations have criticized the government’s perceived lack of action, demanding swift justice and accountability. FIDA, highlighting the alarming statistics—at least 97 women have been killed in the past three months—advocates for femicide to be categorized as a separate crime under Kenyan law.
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Concerns were further amplified by Collins Jumaisi's recent escape, a primary suspect in the high-profile Kware bodies case.
FIDA board secretary Angela Mwadumbo criticized the National Police Service for failing to clarify the circumstances of his escape and the steps being taken to recapture him, describing it as “an alarming display of laxity” that risks enabling such crimes.
