Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - "In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a troubling pattern of women losing their lives in gruesome murders and under unclear circumstances," said Simon Peter Kamomoe, one of the two auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, who stressed that "such acts are not only a grave violation of human rights but also a deeply concerning trend that warrants urgent attention."
"We condemn the increasing number of women killed, which causes great dismay, anger and disgust," said the President of the Kenyan Bishops' Conference, Maurice Muhatia, who also denounced the increasing violence.
In Kenya, feminicides are a national emergency in the face of which the Church does not remain silent. "Our society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members," said Bishop Kamomoe. "Our sisters and mothers, who are among the most vulnerable, require our protection and deserve to feel safe rather than live in fear for their lives." "While we support the government in its efforts to address this menace, we, the Archdiocese of Nairobi, in collaboration with the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, call upon all Christians and people of goodwill to act as our sister’s keeper," the auxiliary bishop appealed.
"Our commitment to protection reflects our Christian values of love and mutual respect," concluded Bishop Kamomoe, who urged the population "to report any suspicious circumstances to the police and advice our children to stay away from strangers. Together, we can work to end gender-based violence and femicide in our society."
The bishops' message follows that of the Head of State on the campaign launched against femicide in the country.
"I urge every Kenyan to join in this movement (Initiative dubbed the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign), to speak out, educate, and stand united against cases of femicide. Our communities need education on signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims," said President William Ruto in his address to Kenyans.
In 1990, fifteen women who had been victims of sexual violence founded the unique village of Umoja in the north of the country. Men are not allowed to live there. They can come as visitors, but they are not allowed to stay. Umoja is a safe island created to enable rural girls and women to live safe, fulfilling and happy lives in a part of the world where women still often face the worst harassment and violence.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan media outlet Africa Uncensored reports that there were at least 500 cases of femicide in Kenya between 2017 and 2023. And the Kenyan organization Femicide Count recorded at least 152 cases in the country in 2023 alone, according to media reports. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 30/11/2024)
