The National Assembly was on Thursday moved to adjourn its regular business to discuss the alarming surge in cases of femicide and gender-based violence across the country.

Invoking Standing Order 33(1),  Samburu West MP, Hon. Naisua Lesuuda sought leave of the House to adjourn its business to deliberate on an urgent national crisis that has left women and children increasingly vulnerable to violence, abuse, and in extreme cases, death.

“In recent months, we have witnessed horrific incidents where women and children have been brutalised, maimed, and killed. From the defilement of a 16-year-old girl by her teacher in Kakamega, to children being murdered by their own fathers in Bomet and Tana River, this trend is alarming and demands immediate collective action,” said Hon. Lesuuda.

The legislator decried the systemic failures in the justice chain, noting that mishandling of evidence, slow investigations, and weak prosecutions have emboldened perpetrators. "Despite widespread advocacy against these heinous acts, the justice system, including the Judiciary, the National Police Service and the Office of Director of Public Prosecution, has failed in protecting victims and ensuring accountability. Specifically, there have been reports on mishandling of evidence on victims of gender-based violence which has contributed to a culture of impunity where perpetrators act without fear of repercussions," said the Samburu West lawmaker.

She called for urgent reforms and coordinated action by the Judiciary, the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, civil society, and community actors to ensure justice for victims.

“We do not lack laws. The Constitution guarantees the rights of all Kenyans, including women and children. What we are facing is impunity, enabled by a failure to protect victims and hold offenders accountable,” she added.

Hon. Lesuuda further highlighted the gaps in child protection, citing the absence of Directorate of Children Services offices in many constituencies, which she argued hampers timely response and monitoring of child exploitation, early marriages, and abuse.

"There is need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders including the relevant government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the civil society in supporting victims and raise awareness. Additionally, there is need to safeguard the right to education for children endangered by child marriages, which is a violation of human rights. Regrettably, the Directorate of Children Services is yet to establish offices in all constituencies, resulting in delays in monitoring incidences and safeguarding children from all forms of exploitation," the legislator pointed out.

Seconding the motion, Hon. Wangari stressed that the crisis must not be reduced to a debate about legal frameworks, but rather about effective enforcement and safeguarding of constitutional rights.

“The sexual offences we are seeing are increasingly daring and blatant. It is unacceptable that children and women are unsafe in their homes, schools, and communities. Parliament must lead in finding lasting solutions,” Hon. Wangari affirmed.