Koome calls for action on spiralling femicide

Chief Justice Martha Koome has demanded immediate action and thorough investigations on the recent reports of femicide in the country.

According to police reports, at least 97 women have been killed in three months in a move that has been linked to rising cases of femicide.

Koome said the horrific acts being meted against the women were not only criminal but heinous acts against the female gender.

The CJ called for concerted efforts by both government and the civil society in supporting the affected families whom she said were undergoing harrowing experiences.

Speaking at the Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation Centre when she officially launched the 2024 National child Justice service month, the CJ who was accompanied by several high ranking judicial officials, called upon the law enforcers, civil societies and other groups to come forward and ensure the vice is stopped.

“No amount of intimidation should silence you in the fight for the rights of women, keep on the fight, you have our support,” said the CJ.

Justice system
On the issue of children rights, Koome noted it was within their constitution to rescue those entangled in the justice system so that they may not have to live all their lives under the same condition they had been put in by the justice system.

She underscored the need for everyone to reflect on the role they had played to ensure that the children were either a burden or the words relayed to them were useful in assisting them develop mentally in their lives rather than what was happening currently where there were many abandoned cases of children from different areas.

“Through the theme of the day which is to enhance children’s Justice through preliminary inquiry and diversion, we should thrive to make justice more restorative,” said the CJ.

In her address Justice Teresa Matheka said currently there were 9,000 court cases facing the children across different courts in the country.

Justice Matheka however noted that the cases which affected some directly and others indirectly were being solved daily and said they were being given more attention to at least reduce the burden.
On Wednesday, senior police officers reported that some 97 women have been killed in the last three months.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Amin Mohamed and Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli made the revelations even as they warned that the police will hunt those involved in the vice and bring them to book. “About 90 per cent of femicide cases have been thoroughly investigated resulting in the arrest of suspects with these cases pending in court,” Lagat stated.