President William Ruto has committed his government to taking decisive measures to combat the alarming surge of femicide in the country.
Speaking during the 73rd Anniversary of the African Divine Church in Nairobi on Sunday, Ruto acknowledged the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to tackle both the moral and criminal aspects of violence against women.
The President’s remarks come in response to a distressing report indicating that 97 women have lost their lives to femicide in the past three months alone, highlighting a significant public safety crisis.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had urged Ruto to consider the plight of women across the country, stressing the need for enhanced security measures.
“We have a criminal problem and a moral problem. We need to address both,” Ruto stated, promising to allocate necessary resources for police operations. “It is hurting our girls, it is hurting our families. We will work together to create a comprehensive program to tackle this issue holistically.”
Ruto also called on parents and citizens to actively participate in the fight against violence, urging them to reflect on their roles in preventing such tragedies. “We must also deal with the moral issue. Let us not just finger-point; we should ask ourselves what we can do to stop the menace,” he added.
The President had earlier directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to expedite investigations into recent femicide cases, emphasizing the need for justice. Ruto’s statements come amid increasing public outcry from civil society organizations demanding urgent governmental action to protect women.
As Kenya grapples with the complexities of femicide and gender-based violence, Ruto’s administration is under pressure to implement effective strategies that will ensure the safety and security of women throughout the nation.
