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President Ruto commits Ksh 100M in the fight against femicide, meets women leaders at State House, Nairobi

President William Ruto has committed Ksh.100 million towards the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign that seeks to end femicide cases across the country. Ruto has further directed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandates without delay and hold the perpetrators of femicide fully accountable.

President William Ruto with women leaders at the State House on November 20, 2024; Courtesy Photo

Speaking on Wednesday when he met with women leaders at the State House, President Ruto said his administration is committed to ending all forms of violence. The president confirmed that the campaign would entail 16 days of activism beginning November 25, 2024, to voice against gender-based violence. 

“As leaders, we are united in the resolve to ensure that justice is swift and efficient. I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandates without delay, holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable,” said President Ruto.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting policies that will put an end to the vice, which has resurfaced in recent months. Recent femicides have made headlines, with female bodies discovered in body bags at dump sites. Other cases involve matrimonial disputes that have turned fatal. 

On the other hand, the President directed police to expedite investigations into reported femicide cases, instructing the authorities to ensure that the gender desks at police stations are fully operational.

Ruto called for the enhancement of gender desks in police stations and added that the government will introduce similar services in hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care. The President pointed out the need to equip young people with the skills and awareness to navigate the risks they face in society.

Noting that social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation, he urged the youth to treat strangers on these platforms cautiously.

“Parents, schools, churches, and community organisations must step up to provide life skills, counselling, and guidance on these matters,” he added.

The President urged religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women and help the congregation understand that women’s rights are also human rights, creating a positive environment for women and children.

He said the government is committed to ensuring the structures that respond and support survivors do not re-victimise them.

“Matters psychosocial support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority in my office,” he assured.

“My office, through the Women’s Rights Advisor, is launching a Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, starting from November 25, 2024.”

The President pledged Sh100 million for the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign, even as the country approaches 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

“This campaign will have the full support of my government, and we are committing Sh100 million for the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign. I urge every Kenyan to join this movement, to speak out, to educate, and to stand united against femicide,” he said.

Ruto noted that communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims, adding that awareness is a crucial step in prevention.

“We must increase awareness of the availability of safe spaces where victims can seek refuge, toll-free hotlines such as GBV 1195, child helpline 116, and the DCI anonymous reporting number 0800 722 203, and counselling services to provide victims with the support they need to find protection,” Ruto said.

The Head of State re-affirmed that Kenya will soon be safe, with efforts to eradicate vice.

“Matters psychological support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority in my office. Through the women’s rights advisor, we are launching a safe home safe space campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that will start on November 25, 2024,” he remarked.

“Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and resources available to victims,” he added.

The president also highlighted cases where women are targeted by criminals on social media platforms, urging all citizens to treat the social space with the utmost caution.

“Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation and I urge our young people to treat strangers on this platform with utmost caution. Parents, schools, churches and community organizations must step up to provide large skills and guidance to our young people.”

He instructed the law enforcement sector to expeditiously execute its mandate to bring the culprits to book.

While stipulating the measures his administration will take, he instructed the law enforcement sector to expeditiously execute its mandate to bring the culprits to book.

He added that gender-based desks would be enhanced in various institutions to provide prompt services.

“I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandate without delay, holding the perpetrators fully accountable. Gender desks in police stations must be enhanced and we will introduce gender desk services in hospitals to ensure they receive immediate service,” the president pointed out.

The head of state appealed to Kenyans to join the campaign and play a role by sensitising the community on gender-based violence.

“I urge every Kenyan to join this movement. Parents have a crucial role. I say so as a parent of four girls myself. Be present and approachable to your children. A strong family is the first line of defence against the dangers lurking in the society,” the president pointed out.

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