- The President contacted former deputy chief justice Nancy Barasa to help in the fight against sexual violence
- Barasa will lead a 42-member task force that will evaluate and review UWAKI cases and recommend action to the president
- This would mark Barasa's return to public service after he abruptly resigned from his DCJ post years ago after allegedly assaulting a security guard.
Nairobi – President William Ruto He has created a 42-member task force to investigate cases of femicide and other forms of gender-based violence.
Source: UGC
In a government gazette notice published on Friday, January 10, the president noted that the increase in cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the killing of women continue to cause serious physical, emotional and economic harm to individuals, families and communities.
If action is not taken, the cases will perpetuate gender inequality and prevent sustainable development, the president said.
The task force will be led by former deputy chief justice Nancy Barasa.
It will assess incidents of gender-based violence and recommend countermeasures.
“I, in carrying out the authority given to the Head of State by the Government in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Kenya, establish a Technical Group to Address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including the killing of women, to evaluate and review. , and recommend measures to strengthen the institutional, legal and policy response against UWAKI and the killing of women in the country,” said the presidential statement in part.
Who are the members of the task force on GBV?
Other members of the task force are Washala Abdi, Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Edna Ngare Ngeno, Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende, Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, Harleen Kaur Jabbal, and Bashir Isaka.
The team also includes Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, Purity Ngina, Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N'gabala Sodonon, Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Faith Odhiambo, Ann Ireri, Seth . Masese and Mashetti Masinjila.
Others are Caroline Jerono Kibiwott, Jessica Achieng Omundo, Geoffrey Rotich, Baldwin Anyiga, Rosemary Muriungi, Kepha Onyiso and Philomena Loitarengan.
The task force will work from the Ministry of Interior and report to the Deputy President Kithur Kindiki.
It will hold public meetings; conduct surveys and research; review reports, judgments, or outcomes of past or ongoing cases related to GBV and femicide; examine official reports, policies, laws, or other relevant documents on GBV and femicide; and take submissions and written reports from citizens.
The team will be required to submit its report within 90 days.
Barasa's role in the leadership of the task force will be his first year after leaving the job of deputy chief justice in 2012.
He was forced to resign after being linked to allegations of beating a female security guard in a Nairobi mall.
In December 2024, Ruto announced a comprehensive government campaign to end cases of murder and other forms of violence against women.
Acknowledging the prevalence of killing of women, the president said his government will campaign to stop this bad practice.
What steps did Ruto take to stop the killing of women?
He instructed the law enforcement authorities of the state to fully prevent such incidents and search for the perpetrators with all their might.
Apart from the police action, other recommended measures include an awareness campaign for women to familiarize themselves with the dangers they may face in social circles.
The President promised KSh 100,000 to facilitate the campaign.
The President also called on religious institutions to strengthen the campaign by setting their platforms to condemn the violence, value women and their rights, and guarantee their safety.
Ruto assured that his administration will put in place structures that will respond to and support survivors.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
