NAIROBI, Kenya – Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has directed all suspects reported to police stations for gender-based violence to be subjected to the full force of the law.
“Let me be clear: there must be no tolerance for negotiations or settlements that undermine justice for survivors,” said Mudavadi, who doubles as acting Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Mudavadi’s statement comes as Kenya joins the entire globe in marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
“I stand united with the global community in condemning in the strongest terms any form of violence against women and girls both in Kenya and around the world,” said Mudavadi.
What are the global statistics
According to Mudavadi, the statistics are heartbreaking.
“Globally, a woman loses her life every 10 minutes. Here in Kenya, Femicide Kenya recorded 150 unknown femicides in 2023 alone. These figures are not just numbers; they represent lives tragically cut short, and they demand immediate, decisive action to end this crisis. The time to act against gender-based violence is now,’ explained Mudavadi.
Action against gender-based violence perpetrators involves implementing and enforcing laws that protect victims and punish those responsible for such violence.
Effective legal frameworks are crucial, as they address survivors’ needs and aim to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
It’s vital to ensure these laws are correctly applied to impact the prevalence of gender-based violence positively.
What is this year’s theme
Meanwhile, Mudavadi, who also acts at the Cabinet for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage, reiterated that the statistics are heartbreaking.
“Globally, a woman loses her life every 10 minutes. Here in Kenya, femicide Kenya recorded 150 unknown femicides in 2023 alone. These figures are not just numbers; they represent lives tragically cut short, and they demand immediate, decisive action to end this crisis. The time to act against gender-based violence is now,” said Mudavadi.
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Under the theme ‘UNiTE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, Mudavadi urged village elders, Nyumba Kumi leaders, assistant chiefs, chiefs, and the entire national administration to take the lead during this period.
“Engage communities across the country and educate them about the devastating impact of gender-based violence, and promote a culture of respect for women and girls. Let us begin this critical work immediately. Together, we can build a safe, more equitable future for all,” he said.
