In the past few months, Kenyans have been alarmed by a sharp rise in publicly reported cases of Gender related Violence. With more harrowing tales shared publicly by survivors, victims, families and friends, there has been a huge outcry for the government to step up measures to bring perpetrators to justice. Between August and December alone, official government statistics reported that over 100 women lost in their lives in femicide-related cases.
In November 2024 the President announced the setting up of the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign. The Ksh.100 million fund initiative seeks to reduce and eliminate femicides in the country. With the launch, the president underscored the need for greater community awareness on “signs and causes of abuse.” The initiative coincided with the internationally observed 16 days of Activism against Gender based Violence which runs from the 25th November -10th of December.
On the 10th of December, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Bondo commemorated the event in Bondo, Siaya County. The event brought together various stakeholders including faith leaders, Government, community members and Civil society. The participants held a march through Bondo Town, highlighting the need for community members to join efforts in ending the vice and extending solidarity with Victims of GBV.
Led by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Emily Onyango, the Diocesan Assistant Bishop, women clergy took the frontline in the public walk. They raised awareness of moral obligation and duty for the Church, community, Government and other stakeholders to confront the vice and speak out to support those affected by the vices.
At the ACK Angels Cathedral Church – Bondo, the participants gathered later on in the day for a public forum, where stakeholders and victims reflected on joint interventions already in place to put an end to the vice. Survivors shared their experiences and their journey to recovery, offering more personal experiences on how deep gender prejudices were contributing to suffering- especially among women in rural areas.