Karen Nyamu Pushes for No Bail Policy for Femicide Suspects: A Bold Call to Action.

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has proposed a legal amendment to deny bail to femicide suspects, arguing that allowing bail increases the risk of repeat offenses.

In a video shared on her X account on November 26, 2024, Nyamu emphasized that the constitution’s provision for bail should not apply to femicide cases. She explained that suspects, once released, often reoffend.

“I propose that femicide suspects be denied bail. These individuals are criminals capable of repeating their crimes once released on bail. We must prioritize the safety of women over these perpetrators’ constitutional bail rights,” she said.

Nyamu, nominated by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, urged fellow senators to support her amendment. She also criticized society’s tendency to shift blame to victims, stating that it discourages survivors from coming forward and weakens cases against perpetrators.

Her proposal aligns with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s recent condemnation of femicide during the launch of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.” In a statement on November 25, Mudavadi called for strict enforcement of laws against gender-based violence and highlighted alarming statistics:

“In 2023, Kenya recorded 150 femicide cases. Globally, a woman loses her life every 10 minutes. These numbers demand immediate action,” he said.

Mudavadi urged leaders and citizens to act decisively, noting that femicide and other forms of gender-based violence require urgent attention to protect women and girls.

By proposing this amendment, Nyamu underscores the need for legislative and societal change to address femicide effectively.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.