A section of female Legislators have strongly condemned the recent gender based violence, femicide cases against women and girls.
While reacting to the recent killings of women in Rongai Sub-county of Nakuru County, the Lawmakers called on security agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to book.
The Women Representatives from various Counties were speaking in Nakuru on Monday August 21, 2024 during the distribution of empowerment equipment to various women groups under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
Led by host Nakuru Woman Rep Liza Chelule, they decried the recent atrocities against women and girls in various counties.
Chelule wondered why such incidents were happening and called for a collective responsibility in ensuring that the rights of women and girls are protected as per the law.
“It pains to here of incidents where women and girls are murdered. We hope this will come to an end so that our girls and women can be safe,” she stated.
Sentiments echoed by Murang’a Woman Rep Betty Maina who strongly condemned the recent killings of women and girls.
She cited the Rongai-Nakuru incident where two women lost lives after being raped in maize plantation in Ol-Rongai.
“We are perturbed when we see our girls and women being killed in such a manner. A time is now for action to be taken on those involved,” stated Maina.
On her part Nandi Woman Rep Cynthia Muge called on society to ensure protection of girl child against retrogressive culture.
While pointing out Female genital mutilation as one area that is still derailing the girl child in some areas, the Lawmaker cautioned communities and individuals that are still into such.
She at the same time called on the local administrators among them chiefs to work closely with members of the civil society organizations in ensuring that such and early marriages are addressed.
“We need to work together in wiping out such retrogressive cultures in our society. Our girls need our support,” she stated.
This, even as Kericho Woman Rep Beatrice Kimei has vowed to hold peaceful demonstrations in Kericho town.
She said the demonstrations are meant to call out perpetrators of Gender Based Violence in society and sensitize the community on the need to end GBV.
The Legislator called out individuals who have a tendency of defiling young girls that the law will face up with them sooner than later.
“I call on everyone to join me for the peaceful demonstrations this week on this issue of gender based violence. I will be holding demonstrations in Kericho so that we can call out such,” she stated.
Vihiga Woman Rep Beatrice Adagalaand her Kajiado Counterpart Leah Sankaire called on the Ministry of Interior to take necessary action and ensure all perpetrators are brought to book.
Other leaders who joined in calling to an end gender based violence against women and girls were Women Reps Faith Gitau(Nyandarua), Naomi Waqo(Marsabit), Jane Kagiri(Laikipia), Rebecca Tonkei(Narok), Umulkheir Kassim(Mandera) and Anne Muratha (Kiambu).