Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has disclosed that 97 women were sadly killed in femicide incidents over a period of only 90 days this year.
Mwaura, in a statement on Tuesday commemorating this year’s International Human Rights Day, stated that an additional 150 women lost their lives to femicide in 2023.
He underscored Kenya’s dedication to human rights, pointing out its compliance with various international agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), among others.
“As a nation, we have made notable advancements in promoting and safeguarding human rights. Kenya has ratified international agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),” said Mwaura.
“Additionally, the country recently celebrated 20 years of recognizing disability rights through national legislation. Chapter Four of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 outlines fundamental rights and freedoms using a human rights-based framework. “
However, Mwaura pointed out that the alarming femicide statistics reveal a troubling trend that continues to endanger the safety and dignity of women in Kenya.
“As we rejoice in our achievements, we must also recognize the ongoing challenges. Femicide, for instance, has been increasing, with 97 women tragically killed in 90 days and another 150 who perished in 2023,” he remarked.
“The government denounces these actions in the strongest possible terms and stands in solidarity with the families and friends of the deceased. In partnership with both state and non-state entities, the government is diligently working to tackle these issues to ensure all Kenyans their human rights and fundamental freedoms. “
Mwaura’s statements come as demonstrators on Tuesday took to the streets in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to protest the growing femicide cases.
Videos posted on social media showed protesters being roughly handled and detained by what seemed to be plainclothes police officers.
This occurred just days after Kenya was listed among 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa where governments have repressed human rights over the past year.
The annual report titled People Power Under Attack 2024, by global civil society organization CIVICUS, noted that four nations, including Kenya, were downgraded due to their oppressive practices.
Other nations like Eswatini, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso also received lower ratings for limiting fundamental freedom rights.
The report categorizes countries into five classifications based on the freedoms of association and the government’s responsibility to safeguard human rights. The categories consist of open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed, and closed.
Kenya’s status was downgraded from obstructed to repressed following the police brutality observed during the Gen Z protests that shook the nation in mid-2024.
“The government’s violent reaction resulted in the deaths of at least 60 unarmed protesters, and police apprehended at least 1,000 individuals,” the report stated in part.
“Abductions of protesters and online supporters of the protests have persisted months after the demonstrations, as security forces pursue those they suspect of involvement, creating a chilling effect on civic freedoms. “
The report also charged Kenyan authorities with hindering peaceful demonstrations through the use of excessive force, carrying out abductions, and prosecuting human rights advocates, protesters, and journalists.
According to the report, nations like Botswana and Liberia enhanced their standings by promoting political expression and safeguarding human rights.
