Kitui Central Leaders Condemn Rising Femicide and Cyber Bullying Against Women
Human rights activists, civil society organisations, religious leaders, mama mbogas, and business leaders in Kitui Central have strongly condemned the escalating cases of femicide and growing political hostility against women, particularly through cyber bullying.
In a unified statement, the leaders expressed alarm over the recent surge in brutal killings of women and the increasing use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, and intimidate women especially those seeking or holding leadership positions. They termed the trend as a dangerous violation of human rights and a threat to the social and political fabric of the county.
The leaders noted that while Kenya has a strong legal framework to protect women, enforcement remains weak, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. They pointed out that many of these violent incidents are often preceded by clear warning signs, including online abuse, stalking, and sustained intimidation, which are frequently ignored until it is too late.
They called on security agencies to treat all threats, including those made online, as serious and actionable, urging swift investigations and accountability. County and national governments were challenged to strengthen enforcement of both physical and digital protection laws and invest in prevention and rapid response mechanisms.
Technology platforms and regulators were also urged to take firm action against cyber bullying and ensure those using digital spaces to incite violence or spread hate are held accountable.
Community leaders, families, and religious institutions were encouraged to take an active role in identifying and addressing early warning signs, while the public was urged to report threats and stand in solidarity with women facing violence and intimidation.
The statement further emphasized that women must not be silenced or pushed out of leadership spaces through fear and violence. Leadership, they said, is a constitutional right, and no woman should be forced to choose between her safety and her ambitions.
They concluded with a strong call for collective responsibility in protecting women, warning that failure to act will continue to cost lives.
“No more silence. No more excuses. The time to act is now.”
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