Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has urged women to protect themselves first whenever in a toxic relationship.
The legislator said that women should not be comfortable being in a toxic relationship that pushes them to bow to societal pressure.
This comes in the wake of the rising femicide cases in the country, with Kenyans calling for accountability.
While addressing the Senate on Wednesday, Cherargei said that as the country calls on the police to protect women, they too should make an effort to enhance their security.
“Don’t be comfortable to be in a relationship with men you do not trust. I know trust is one of the most expensive currencies in a relationship. I want to ask them to be careful, to weigh so that they do not fall into social pressure,” he said.
“Women have a right to associate with whoever they want to but they should just be careful. We cannot get the police to protect everybody and that is why as a society we need to be careful and avoid toxic relationships that can lead to femicide.”
The legislator added that femicide has not spared renowned and established athletes in the country.
He said that the country is losing many athletes with the perpetrators being their close family members.
“I call upon religious organisations to be at the forefront in fighting this vice.”
There was uproar among Kenyans and activists as femicide cases happened across the country.
The National Police Service assured Kenyans of its commitment to addressing and investigating all femicide-related cases in the country.
Highlighting the importance of timely conclusion of these cases, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat noted that this ensures justice is served not only to the victims but also their families.
Addressing the press Wednesday in Nairobi, Lagat admitted that there has been a sharp rise in cases of murder and manslaughter, as he called for concerted efforts to end it.
“We urge every member of society, including governmental, civil, and religious leaders, to engage in this crucial dialogue,” he said. “Collective action can help us to eradicate the scourge of femicide and safeguard the lives of our citizens,” he added.
Lagat disclosed that in the last three months alone, they have recorded 97 cases of femicide reported in various parts of the country.
He, however, stated that they have made progress in ensuring they conclude probes into these cases.
He said through targeted strategies and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, they aim to establish a safer environment for women and ensure comprehensive investigation and prosecution of all cases.
