Kenya’s 102 female lawmakers have declared war on the rampant cases of femicide and gender-based violence. The bold initiative, dubbed Komesha Dhuluma, was launched on Thursday at Parliament Buildings, marking a new chapter in the battle against the silent epidemic that has claimed countless lives.
Parliament on Fire as MPs Demand Action
Led by KEWOPA Chairperson Hon. Leah Sankaire (Kajiado), the MPs did not mince words, calling out perpetrators, enablers, and a judicial system that has, for too long, let killers walk free. Their message was clear: Enough is enough.
“We are tired of burying our daughters, sisters, and mothers. We will no longer stand by as women’s lives are cut short in cold blood,” declared Hon. Sankaire, her voice shaking with emotion.
In a move that stunned many, President William Ruto committed Ksh 100 million to fund the nationwide campaign. The money, Sankaire revealed, will go into grassroots engagement, law enforcement training, and survivor support programs.
“This is no longer just about awareness. We will ensure that every victim gets justice, every abuser is held accountable, and every woman feels safe in her home, workplace, and streets,” Sankaire added.
102 Women MPs, 47 Counties, One Battle
The initiative will see each of the 102 female legislators spearhead the campaign in their constituencies, with a focus on community sensitization, legal aid, and media outreach. The goal? To reach at least 100,000 Kenyans directly and over 10 million through the media.
But Komesha Dhuluma is more than just talk. It comes at a time when femicide cases have skyrocketed, with chilling reports of women being murdered in their homes, workplaces, and even in broad daylight.
‘We Must End This Bloodshed’ – Mishi Mboko’s Emotional Plea
A visibly emotional Hon. Mishi Mboko (Likoni) made an impassioned plea to all Kenyans, especially men, to support the fight.
“This is not just about women. It is a national crisis. Even men are victims of domestic violence. We must all come together to put an end to this senseless bloodshed,” she said.
She called out those trivializing the crisis, urging the government to take harsher measures against perpetrators.
Is Justice Failing Women?
Activists and women’s rights organizations have long criticized the slow pace of justice, with some killers walking free due to weak investigations and corrupt officials. KEWOPA members vowed to push for stiffer penalties, including fast-tracking cases related to femicide and gender-based violence.
“No more loopholes. No more delays. We will demand answers from law enforcement and the judiciary,” Sankaire warned.
The Beginning of a Revolution?
With nationwide protests already brewing and women MPs leading from the front, Komesha Dhuluma might just be Kenya’s #MeToo moment—a movement too powerful to ignore.
But will the government follow through? Or will this be another promise buried under bureaucracy?
One thing is certain—Kenyan women are no longer pleading for their lives. They are demanding action.
