Human rights advocates in Kisumu have marked International Human Rights Day with a call to action against escalating cases of femicide and other human rights violations in Kenya.
Speaking during the event, Jackline Ingutia, Regional Coordinator for the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), emphasized the urgency of addressing femicide, citing systemic issues that perpetuate violence against women.
“The problem in our country is not the absence of laws but the lack of substantive equality beyond formal legislation,” said Ingutia. “We must address the root causes of femicide, such as power imbalances, drug abuse, domestic violence, and harmful cultural norms that normalize violence against women.”
Ingutia revealed that KNCHR’s western regional office is currently investigating five femicide cases in Kakamega, adding, “This year, we have seen an alarming increase in femicide cases nationally. Police statistics indicate 152 cases, but our observations show a concerning rise. Structural issues, like police response and cultural attitudes, also hinder justice and prevention.”
Rising Insecurity and Youth Radicalization
George Alambo, Chairman of the Western Kenya Human Rights Network, also raised concerns about insecurity and its economic impact in Kisumu.
“Insecurity forces residents to be indoors by 6 PM, reducing productivity,” said Alambo. “We are also losing young people to false promises of jobs abroad, only for them to end up in terror gangs or exploitative situations. Who will carry the mantle of the future if our youth are being radicalized?”
Alarming Statistics on Femicide
Jovian Linda, from the Kisumu Social Inclusion Network, shared harrowing statistics from the year, noting a rise in femicide cases from 91 to 120, including a 17-year-old girl from Awasi who was gruesomely murdered by her partner.
“We’ve been reviewing policies like the GBV Policy of 2019 and examining grassroots to national structures to find lasting solutions,” Linda said. “It’s time to end these atrocities.”
Solidarity for Change
Boniface Ogutu Akatch, Team Leader at the Kisumu Peace and Justice Center, underscored the community’s collective grief and determination.
“We are not here to celebrate but to demand an end to rape, defilement, femicide, and all forms of violence,” Akatch declared. “These violations have become normal occurrences in Kisumu. We stand in solidarity to call for justice and to create a safer community for everyone.”
A Call to Action
As the event concluded, human rights defenders echoed a shared commitment to tackle femicide, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality. They urged the government to enhance public awareness and improve institutional responses to prevent further loss of life.
The event, which coincided with the conclusion of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, served as a somber reminder of the work still needed to protect human rights in Kenya.
