Judiciary boss urges Kenyans to unite in fight against femicide

Chief Justice Martha Koome interacts with girls at Kirigiti Girls' Rehabilitation Centre in Kiambu town.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called upon law enforcement agencies, social services and civil society organizations to intensify their vigilance and put protective measures to curb femicide.

Justice Koome, speaking in Kirigiti Girl’s Rehabilitation Centre in Kiambu town during the launch of the Nation Child Justice Service Month that will run from November 1 to 30, 2024, said that community leaders and all citizens must join hands to ensure that girls and women’s safety.

“Why are our girls, why are our women being killed? It is notable that the Deputy Inspector General of police announced an alarming 97 women have been killed in the last 90 days. One woman being killed is just too many, 97 is incomprehensible. This demands action from every corner of our society,” she said.

She said that combating femicide requires not just legal interventions but societal transformation and an unwavering belief that no woman or girl should feel disposable.

The Chief Justice said that it is a moral duty shared by everybody and women must break the silence and speak out and dismantle the systems that allow such heinous acts to go unchecked.

Chief Justice Martha Koome admires a doormat crafted by one of the girls.

Grace Mwihaki, Deputy Governor of the Kenya Children in Conflict With the Law organization, called on Prosecutors to speak in layman’s language so that children presented in Court can understand.

“It helps when the Court is less intimidating and there are friendly adults to explain things to children who are taken to court while in conflict with the law,” she said.

The Directorate of Children Services (DCS) called for the establishment of a special police unit in line with section 242 of the Children’s Bill that will deal specifically with the young ones’ issues.

Justice Teresia Matheka, also in attendance, said that the Judiciary is currently fast-tracking children’s cases and they have pulled resources to ensure that children are served better.

Justice Matheka called on Magistrates and Court officials countrywide to allocate a day to create awareness regarding Preliminary Inquiry and Diversion and Family Conference disciplines which are alternative ways for children in conflict with the law to get justice.

By Felix Wanderi

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