Ruto Appeals To Religious Leaders In State House Address Over Femicide Cases
Notably, the issue of femicide was featured in a statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday, November 14
Marvin Chege 
In adherence to demands by women groups that include the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), President William Ruto held a press briefing at State House in the wake of resurging femicide that has seen several women brutally murdered in the last few months.
On Wednesday, November 20, the Head of State appealed to religious leaders- including the catholic bishops who have been in recent headlines over their criticism towards the President- to utilise their platforms to spread positivity about women in Kenya.
"We urge religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women, women's leadership, women's engagement and help congregations understand that women’s rights are also human rights, creating a positive environment for women and our children," he urged.
Notably, the issue of femicide was featured in a statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday, November 14, in which the bishops had expressed appallment for the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture and killings of Kenyans as well as decried the increasing murder of women, all of which caused great consternation, anger and disgust.
Thousands protest against increasing violence against women in Kenya on January 27, 2024. /AP
At the same time, Ruto touched on the aspect of social media, stating that "Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation and I urge our young people to treat strangers on these platforms with utmost caution."
Ruto also reiterated his directive to police to expedite investigations into reported femicide cases and tasked the authorities to see to it that operations at gender desks are stepped up.
"I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandate without delay, holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable," he directed. "Gender desks in police stations must be enhanced and we will soon introduce similar gender desks in hospitals to ensure that victims receive immediate attention and care."
Ruto Allocates Ksh100 Million To Anti-Femicide Campaign
The President also announced a nationwide campaign against the rise in femicide cases dubbed the Safe Home, Safe Space campaign, which would be led by women leaders in government institutions.
According to Ruto, the leaders would raise awareness of the signs of Gender Based Violence (GBV) while informing the public of the safe spaces and avenues where they can get help.
As revealed during the presser, the campaign will run for 16 days, amidst the 16 days of activism beginning November 25, 2024, to voice against GBV. Additionally, in support of the nationwide exercise, Ruto committed Ksh100 million in funding.
"Matters psychological support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority in my office. Through the women's rights advisor, we are launching a safe home safe space campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that will start on November 25, 2024," he remarked.
"Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and resources available to victims," he added.
On October 29, FIDA demanded that President Ruto address the nation from the State House and consider declaring the vice, which dominated news headlines in January this year and led to anti-femicide protests, a national disaster and a crisis of public proportions.
Meanwhile, Kenyan women across the country have been spreading awareness regarding a planned nationwide protest on December 10, 2024, against the femicide cases dubbed #EndFemicideKE
