By Jane Mugambi
Kirinyaga County, Kenya: As the world marks 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has called for the formation of a special police unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) that will deal with femicide cases.
Waiguru spoke at the St.Mary’s ACK church in Ngariama, Gichugu Constituency on Sunday said, there is a need for a special unit that will be delegated to specifically deal with femicide cases, citing that the cases have risen significantly.
She stated that the unit within the existing structure of the DCI will help in probing and stopping the ongoing killings of women in the country.
She said that despite President Dr.William Ruto issuing a directive, saying that there is a need to find a long-lasting solution to the killings
“Femicide is the most extreme manifestation of violence against women, there is a need for a long-term solution that will end the killings of women and girls Said Waiguru.
Waiguru said that all government agencies must act fast to prevent further escalation of the killings.
“All government agencies need to be incorporated in this issue and a comprehensive assessment of what is going on in our society; The cause of these killings needs to be looked at so that we can reduce cases of femicide and gender-based violence,” she said.
Waiguru said as Kenya marks the 16 days of gender activism, the country should not be witnessing an escalation of femicide or gender-based violence and called for a concerted effort to reverse the trend.
The Governor said other players in the justice sector also need to create special units to deal with the matter so as to ensure justice for the victims.
“Our judiciary should also create a unit that will deal with such matters to ensure that the victims get justice”The governor added.
While condemning the violent acts, Waiguru asked police to act fast and bring the culprits to book.
“Gender-based violence has no place in our society, we are hoping during those 16 days of activism this coming week, we will have proposals and solutions that will give us a comprehensive plan that will provide us lasting solutions to the femicide and gender-based violence,” Waiguru said.
This year’s theme is ‘Towards 30 Years Of The Beijing Declaration And Platform For Action: Unite To End Violence Against Women.’’
