We are coming for you, Ruto warns perpetrators of femicide

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has warned perpetrators of cases of femicide in the country, adding that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them.

Addressing the press alongside women leaders in the country at State House, Nairobi, the Head of State directed the criminal justice sector players to work round the clock, towards nailing and prosecuting suspects.

“As leaders, we are united in the resolve to ensure that justice is swift and efficient. I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandates without delay, holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable,” said the President.

“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. Femicide has no place in Kenya,” he added.

In a fatherly tone, Ruto noted that social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation, urging youth to treat strangers on social media platforms such as X and Facebook with utmost caution.

“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,” he said.

“Parents, schools, churches, and community organisations must step up to provide life skills, counselling, and guidance on these matters.”

Through the Women’s Rights Advisor, Ruto said his office will be launching a Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, starting November 25.

He pledged a donation of Sh100 million to the campaign. “This campaign will have the full support of my government, and we are committing Sh100 million for the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign. I urge every Kenyan to join this movement, to speak out, to educate, and to stand united against femicide,” added Ruto.

A report by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat weeks ago, indicated that law enforcement officers had recorded 97 femicide cases the past three months.