Protesters call on Kenyan government to halt femicide crisis

The organizers highlighted the tragic murder of gospel singer Rachel Wandeto to garner support for their cause. Wandeto, who was attacked by three men on May 16 while walking home in Nairobi, was set on fire after being doused with petrol. She suffered severe burns covering over 85 percent of her body and passed away two days later at Kenyatta National Hospital. The groups involved have given the Kenyan government a 40-day deadline to declare gender-based violence a national crisis, warning that they will initiate nationwide protests if no action is taken. Participants in the march wore white clothing and carried red roses, gathering around symbolic coffins decorated with flower petals in honor of the victims. A prominent wall displaying the names of those who have died stood in the center of the gathering, accompanied by the message “Stop Femicide in Kenya.” Protesters held signs that read “Stop Killing Women,” “Enough is Enough,” and “End Pedicide.” Former Chief Justice David Maraga also participated in the march, supporting demands for more decisive government action. The ultimatum to the government for action was issued on May 21, following a report from the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya, which stated that they receive approximately 70 cases of gender-based violence each week at their offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.