By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
President William Ruto has committed Ksh.100 million towards the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign that seeks to end femicide cases in Kenya.
During a speech at State House in Nairobi following a meeting with women leaders, President Ruto announced that the campaign would consist of 16 days of activism starting on November 25, 2024, aimed at raising awareness against gender-based violence.
The President reiterated the government’s dedication to endorsing policies aimed at eradicating the vice, which has reemerged in recent months.
“The Government will be relentless in protecting the vulnerable. We will be swift in confronting gender-based violence head-on. Those responsible will be held to account,” President Ruto said on X.
“We ask our children to be cautious of the social media that has become a high-risk space to engage strangers. Parents must also be present and approachable to their children. Femicide has no place in Kenya,” he added.
The president emphasized instances in which women are victimized by criminals on social media platforms, urging all citizens to exercise the highest level of caution in these online environments.
“Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation and I urge our young people to treat strangers on this platform with utmost caution. Parents, schools, churches and community organizations must step up to provide large skills and guidance to our young people,” he said.
He instructed the law enforcement sector to expeditiously execute its mandate to bring the culprits to book.
“I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandate without delay, holding the perpetrators fully accountable. Gender desks in police stations must be enhanced and we will introduce gender desk services in hospitals to ensure they receive immediate service,” President Ruto said.
The head of state urged Kenyans to participate in the campaign and contribute by raising awareness within the community regarding gender-based violence to help security agencies combat such cases.