The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has embarked on a transformative journey under new leadership, making a bold commitment to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, which have become national crises.
On 1st April 2025, Senator Veronica Maina was elected Chairperson, marking the beginning of a new era for the association. She will lead alongside Vice-Chair, Senator Hezena Lemaletian, with Senators Beth Syengo, Mariam Omar, and Esther Okenyuri continuing in their respective roles as Secretary, Treasurer, and Organizing Secretary. The leadership team has pledged to ensure that KEWOSA becomes more inclusive, purpose-driven, and focused on addressing issues affecting women, leaving no woman behind.
In a powerful statement released on Wednesday, KEWOSA expressed outrage at the increasing violence against women and girls across the country. The association highlighted the shocking cases of gender-based violence, including the tragic death of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi from Wajir, who was murdered for rejecting an arranged marriage, and the death of a woman in Baringo, killed by her estranged husband in front of her children.
“We mourn the loss of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi from Wajir, murdered for rejecting an arranged marriage. We remember the woman in Baringo, tragically killed by her estranged husband in front of her children. We stand with widows in Kisii and Nyamira, who are stripped of their dignity by outdated customs. These are not traditions they are crimes,” stated Chairperson Sen. Veronica Maina.
KEWOSA acknowledged the government's recent allocation of Ksh. 100 million under President William Ruto’s leadership to combat GBV and femicide. However, the association emphasized that laws and funding alone are not enough without proper implementation. With counties such as Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nakuru experiencing alarming levels of violence, KEWOSA is taking action at the grassroots level. Each nominated senator has been allocated KSh 930,000 to lead advocacy and community sensitization programs tailored to their constituencies.
Senator Maina outlined several measures that KEWOSA is pushing for, including the establishment of gender desks in police stations, fast-tracking GBV case prosecutions, and promoting responsible media reporting. Additionally, KEWOSA aims to foster community-centered actions and empower survivors of gender-based violence.
“From advocating for gender desks in police stations, expediting GBV case prosecutions, promoting responsible media reporting, to fostering community-centered action and empowering survivors, KEWOSA is declaring: Enough is enough. Today’s message is not just a statement. It’s a call to action,” Sen. Maina affirmed.
As the country grapples with the escalating crisis of GBV and femicide, KEWOSA’s leadership is determined to play an active role in shaping policies and leading community-driven initiatives that will ensure the protection, dignity, and empowerment of women across Kenya. The association’s new leadership is committed to fostering a safer environment for all women and girls, signaling that change is not only needed but also underway.
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