Ruto Appoints Nancy Baraza To Lead 42-Member Gender Violence, Femicide Taskforce

President William Ruto on Friday, January 10 set up a 42-member Technical Working Group to tackle cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Including femicide, which has been a headline topic in 2024.

Per a Kenya Gazette Notice, the Head of State appointed former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza to chair the task force. The member list includes prominent names such as Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo and Citizen TV investigative journalist Franklin Wallah.

Other members joining the task force include Mohammed Washala Abdi, Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Edna Ngare Ngeno, Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende, Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Wangu Kanja, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, Harleen Kaur Jabbal, and Bashir Isaak.

Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, Purity Ngina, Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N'gabala Sodonon, Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Ann Ireri, Seth Masese and Mashetti Masinjila also joined the taskforce.

Collage of Franklin Wallah, Faith Odhiambo and Nancy Baraza. /VIRAL TEA KE

Caroline Jerono Kibiwott, Jessica Achieng Omundo, Geoffrey Rotich and Baldwin Anyiga were appointed as the joint secretaries of the task force. At the same time, Rosemary Muriungi, Kepha Onyiso and Philomena Loitarengan will serve in the secretariat.

The Secretariat, based at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, will coordinate the group’s activities, marking a significant step towards comprehensive solutions to GBV and femicide.

The Technical Working Group will be mandated to assess, review, and recommend measures to strengthen the institutional, legal, and policy response to GBV and femicide in the country.

In terms of reference, the task force will aid in identifying trends, hotspots, and causes contributing to GBV and femicide. The team will also assess the current legal and policy frameworks on GBV and femicide. Consequently, they will be required to propose amendments to strengthen various laws on femicide and GBV.

"The terms of Reference of the technical working group is to evaluate resource allocation, training levels, and operational effectiveness in managing prevention, response, support and investigations related to cases on GBV and femicide," read the notice in part.

Furthermore, the task force will conduct community engagements to gather input on solutions to combat GBV and femicide, provide actionable recommendations on prevention, investigation, prosecution, and survivor support mechanisms in GBV and femicide cases; examine the role of social media coverage in GBV and femicide, including its influence on public perception, awareness, and policy-making.

Additionally, it will identify psychological issues related to the commission of crimes associated with GBV and femicide, establish socioeconomic challenges contributing to and exacerbating the commission of GBV and femicide; and recommend proposals to strengthen family ties, foster harmonious co-existence among family members, and develop social structures that support the resolution of domestic disputes.

To perform its tasks, the task force shall co-opt any person(s) deemed necessary or expedient for the effective discharge of its functions, conduct public hearings and/or receive information in private (where necessary in camera) as part of its mandate; convene meetings, forums, or consultations at such locations 
and times as necessary for the proper execution of its mandate, which may cause such studies or research to be carried out or advice to be obtained as may inform or assist the Task Force on its mandate.

Further, it will review and consider reports, judgments, or findings of past or ongoing cases related to GBV and femicide; examine official reports, policies, legislation, or other relevant documents concerning GBV and femicide and invite written submissions and memorandums from the members of the public;

The task force shall also have such powers necessary or expedient for the proper execution of its functions, including the power to regulate its procedures, create committees or sub-committees to expedite the discharge of its tasks, ensure, where appropriate, the safety and protection of participants, engage and work collaboratively with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) for effective support in the discharge of its mandate; and where necessary ask for an extension of time from the appointing authority to enable it complete its work.

President Ruto outlined that at its first meeting, the task force members shall select a vice chairperson from amongst the membership. "In furtherance of the objectives and purpose of the Technical Working Group, all State entities are directed to afford the Technical Working Group all necessary support and cooperation," added the notice.

The Technical Working Group is expected to develop a report and submit it to the appointing authority, the President, within ninety (90) days with effect from the date of the notice, or for such a longer period as may, by notice in the Gazette, be extended.

The group will report to the Deputy President through the Principal Secretary for Gender, who will chair an oversight committee comprising Principal Secretaries from various state departments.