Nominated Senator Crustal Asige has joined the fray against femicide after the government announced a 16-day campaign against the vice.

In a statement on Monday, November 25, 2024, Asige faulted the law enforcement agencies for letting the vice thrive with several unresolved cases.

“I’m thinking of thousands of lives – our sisters, mothers, friends – all lost in brutal acts of unexplainable violence and the empty spaces now left in their homes,” Asige stated.

“For many families in Kenya, this has rapidly become their reality in 2024. Why do these femicide cases continue to pile up despite us having a National Police Service with intelligence instruments at their fingertips?”

Asige also faulted members of society for blaming victims of femicide, asserting that there is not justification of taking away a life.

“Why are we so quick to scapegoat them, to ignore them, to let them go unpunished? There is no reason or justification for taking a life. Yet here we are, with more and more women being executed every day simply for existing. And as we start these #16DaysOfActivism2024, I feel the weight of every story I’ve dealt with, every name I’ve read,” she added.

Calling on the government to declare the vice a national disaster, Asige urged Kenyans to demand justice for the victims of femicide.

“I feel the anger, the grief, and the urgency for the government to declare this a national disaster. To me, this isn’t just some campaign – it’s deeply personal. Every woman deserves to feel safe. Every girl deserves to grow up knowing her life will be valued and protected,” Asige added.

“We owe it to those we’ve lost to stand up, to demand justice, and see real change from state agencies. Let’s make these 16 days matter—for them, for us, and for the generations to come.”

Fight against femicide

Speaking at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, President William Ruto announced that women leaders have agreed to spearhead the nationwide awareness campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Ruto said that his administration has committed Ksh100 million towards the 16 days of activism against GBV.

In addition, Ruto urged Kenyans to join the movement to speak out, create awareness and stand united against femicide.

“As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the women leaders have agreed to embark on a nationwide awareness campaign to confront this vice head-on,” Ruto said.

“This campaign will have the full support of my government, and we are committing Ksh100 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.”