By John Kariuki
Her Excellency Faith Mony Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has been appointed by President William Ruto to serve on a newly established 35-member task force to address the alarming rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide cases.
Under the leadership of Justice Nancy Baraza, the task force has been given a critical mandate: to analyze trends, identify hotspots, and tackle the root causes of GBV and femicide. The team will evaluate existing legal and policy frameworks, recommend improvements, and advocate for stronger enforcement mechanisms to close gaps in protecting vulnerable individuals. Their work aims to deliver actionable solutions on prevention, investigation, prosecution, and survivor support, ensuring a robust institutional response to these crimes.
President Faith Mony Odhiambo has been a vocal advocate against GBV and femicide. She has consistently condemned such acts while championing efforts to ensure survivors have prompt access to justice. "The rising cases of femicide are a blatant violation of constitutional principles and human dignity. They defy the values of equity, social justice, and inclusiveness enshrined in Article 10(2)(b) and Article 19(2) of our Constitution," she stated.
Kenya is also bound by international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which emphasize the need to protect women from violence and uphold their right to life and security. These instruments highlight the necessity of a comprehensive legal approach to safeguard women and marginalized groups.
The Kenyan Constitution provides a robust legal framework with over 20 provisions addressing issues of femicide and violence against women, reinforcing the commitment to human dignity and protection for all.
The task force’s work will be pivotal in building a safer, more equitable society where acts of violence against women are no longer tolerated. As President Faith reiterates, "It is our collective responsibility to ensure justice, equity, and the protection of human dignity for all Kenyans."