NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has issued a strong rebuke of Kenya’s handling of gender-based violence (GBV), calling on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to stop making excuses and urgently resolve unresolved cases of femicide, rape, and sexual assault.
Passaris has expressed frustration over the slow pace of investigations, warning that continued inaction is fueling fear, anger, and a loss of trust among Kenyans.
“This is your job. Do it. Now. We are tired,” she said, in remarks directed at investigative authorities handling GBV-related cases.
Her sentiments come amid growing national outrage over rising femicide cases and a justice system that survivors and families increasingly view as unresponsive.
Passaris dismissed claims that law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed by the volume of GBV cases, insisting that workload cannot justify failure to protect lives and deliver justice.
She argued that every unresolved case represents a victim who has been silenced and a family left without closure, adding that accountability must be non-negotiable when lives are lost.
She unequivocally also rejected victim-blaming — a narrative she said continues to harm survivors and excuse perpetrators.
“Not my clothes. Not the way I walk. Not my age. And certainly not my political affiliation… victims are never to blame for crimes committed against them,” she stated.
Passaris also addressed personal freedom and bodily autonomy, stressing that how a woman dresses or presents herself does not amount to consent or justification for abuse.
“Leo nilitoka nyumbani nimevaa, unaona kidogo hapa juu. Unaona kama hizi, hizi ni zangu naweza kuzionyesha. Si za mtu mwingine. These are my goods,” she said.
Beyond condemning GBV, Passaris called for greater transparency from investigative agencies, urging the DCI to regularly update the public on the progress of femicide and sexual assault cases.
She warned that silence from authorities erodes public confidence and sends the wrong message to perpetrators.
According to Passaris, justice delayed is justice denied — and without clear communication and visible action, communities will continue to feel abandoned.
Kenya continues to grapple with rising GBV cases, with reports cutting across counties, age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Civil society groups have repeatedly called for a coordinated national response that prioritises survivor dignity and safety.
