Ruto has ordered an investigation into femicide and has set aside Ksh 100 million for a 16-day campaign.

November 20, 2024 9

President William Ruto during a press briefing at State House on July 5, 2024.

President William Ruto has unveiled a 16-day initiative aimed at combating gender-based violence, particularly in light of recent incident of femicide in the nation. Speaking to the media at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, President Ruto introduced the campaign called Safe Homes, Safe Spaces, which is set to kick off on Monday, November 25. In his commitment to the campaign, Ruto declared that the Government will allocate Ksh 100 million to support efforts focused on educating young women about the risks associated with interacting with strangers.

According to Ruto, a group of female leaders from all over the country will oversee the program, aimed at enlightening other women about their rights and freedoms.

“I urge every Kenyan to join in this moment to speak out, educate and stand united against cases of femicide. Our communities need education on signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims,” President Ruto told Kenyans. “Raising awareness is vital step toward prevention. We need to promote knowledge about campaigns that offer support to victims, including toll-free services like GBV 1195, Child Help 116, and the anonymous reporting line for the DCI at 0800722203,” he added.

During the press event, President Ruto also instructed all law enforcement agencies to prioritize investigations into reported femicide cases in the nation and ensure that all offenders are held accountable. Ruto emphasized the need to enhance gender desks in police station nationwide, stating that the government plans to establish similar support services in hospitals to ensure that victims of gender-based violence receive proper care.

He encouraged religious leaders to leverage their influence to advocate for women and women’s leadership, fostering an understanding among their congregations that women’s rights are fundamentally human rights. Additionally, President Ruto urged parents to be present and approachable for their children, advocating for the creation of nurturing home environment where children feel safe, supported and loved. He remarked that a strong family unit serves as the primary safeguard against societal dangers.

“This issues necessitates a united effort from the government, religious leaders, parents, educators, civil society and all well-meaning citizens,” Ruto stressed. “I want to emphasize once more that the government is fully dedicated to its agenda for women, which includes a firm commitment to eradicating all types of violence. As leaders, we stand together in our determination to guarantee that justice is prompt and effective,” he stated.