#EndFemicideKe: Movement Sweeps Across Kenya, a Total Shutdown!
WYS GLOBAL
An alarming surge in femicide cases in Kenya since the beginning of the year, the recent brutal incident involving the mutilation of Rita Waeni at a yet another Airbnb.
In 2023, the Kenyan nonprofit Femicide Count documented a harrowing tally of at least 152 reported incidents of femicide, 500 cases of femicide have been recorded in Kenya since 2016. The actual number may be higher due to unreported cases.
Women across Kenya took to the streets in solidarity, staging protests in major cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kisii and Turkana. The alarming surge in femicide cases has persisted into the new year, with 24 reported incidents already, although this number is likely an underrepresentation due to the prevalence of unreported cases. The blame for the unreported cases is often placed on the victims themselves, unveiling a deeply ingrained societal issue that not only perpetuates violence but also exacerbates the challenges in accurately assessing the true extent of the crisis.
As Kenya grapples with this pervasive and deeply troubling issue, the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address femicide and support survivors becomes increasingly apparent.
Njeri Migwi, the founder of the Usikimye Survivor-centered organization dedicated to the prevention and support of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Njeri’s commitment to rescuing vulnerable women and girls from the clutches of violence exemplified by the historic #TotalShutdownKe protest organized by her and her team on January 27th. The magnitude of the demonstrations, where hundreds of women and rights activists took to the streets across the country, serves as a testament to the collective voice demanding change and justice.
The government showcasing solidarity with the women leading the charge against gender-based violence. “They were in solidarity, and there were no incidences… if anything, they supported us, Mercy Jelimo, protester remarked.
The Kenyan National Police Service, represented by the National Police Service and @IG_NPS, responded decisively to the #EndFemicide and #TotalShutDownKE March by deploying an all-female squad – a powerful manifestation of girl power in action.
Raila Odinga, the Opposition Leader of the Azimio movement, added his voice to the condemnation against femicide, Odinga expressed the collective aspiration to ensure that Kenyan society guarantees women the freedom and security they rightfully deserve.
The movement witnessed a powerful merging of voices and influence as prominent celebrities and notable activists joined the cause. From the rap prowess of Femi One to the activism of Boniface Mwangi, the advocacy extended to every corner of Kenyan society. Bien Aime, Maandy Kabaya, Janet Mbugua, Eric Wainaina, Adelle Onyango, Foi Wambui, Bensol, Julius Kamau, Patricia Kihoro and Muthoni Drummer Queen stood shoulder to shoulder, amplifying the urgency to put an end to femicide. Their presence at the forefront of the movement not only brought attention to the cause but also demonstrated a collective responsibility to leverage their platforms for meaningful change.
Moving beyond the immediate impact of rescues and protests, this movement is acting as a catalyst for a profound shift in attitudes and behaviors. This movement is more than a series of protests; it signifies the birth of a cultural shift where communities stand together to eradicate the plague of femicide. It is a beacon of hope, fostering an environment where women can rightfully expect protection and empowerment, and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The commitment to behavioral change and societal transformation where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, free from gender-based violence. The journey is far from over, but the seeds of change have been sown.