Concerns over the growing cases of femicide and gender-based violence have intensified after Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris revealed that one of her supporters was allegedly attacked, robbed, raped and stabbed shortly after attending an ODM rally in Dandora.Speaking during an interview on NTV, Passaris said the young woman was assaulted on Wednesday evening, an incident she described as a reflection of the worsening insecurity facing women across the country.
The lawmaker questioned the factors driving the increasing violence against women, particularly among young people, expressing concern over what she termed a decline in societal values and respect for human life.Passaris said the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a broader national crisis that continues to claim the lives of women and girls through killings, sexual violence and other forms of abuse.
Her remarks come amid growing calls for urgent action to address femicide and gender-based violence in Kenya. Last week, the Association of Media Women in Kenya urged the government to declare femicide a national crisis, warning that women and girls were increasingly unsafe in homes, workplaces and public spaces.The organisation cited recent killings reported in Migori, Nakuru and Nairobi counties, arguing that the country was facing a widespread pattern of violence targeting women. It also called on Parliament to fast-track legislation that would recognise femicide as a distinct criminal offence.
Pressure has also mounted from activists and women’s rights groups, who have staged demonstrations in Nairobi, Mombasa and other towns demanding justice for victims and stronger protection measures.On 23rd of May, the National Police Service announced new measures to tackle the rising cases of femicide and gender-based violence after reporting at least 125 cases linked to gender-related killings and violence. The measures include enhanced investigations, closer monitoring of cases and stronger collaboration with community leaders and civil society organisations.
The latest incident has renewed calls for the government to implement recommendations made by the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, including declaring femicide a national crisis and strengthening legal, psychosocial and security support systems for survivors and victims’ families.