Senator Gloria Orwoba addressed the media at the Media Centre in Parliament, Nairobi on January 13,2025, delivering a powerful statement on the urgent need to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide in Kenya.
The Senator commended President William Ruto’s recent decision to allocate Kshs 100 million towards tackling GBV cases, calling it a vital step in addressing the crisis.
“This is a much-needed move, and I applaud the President for prioritizing the fight against GBV,” Orwoba said.
“However, we need to go beyond just financial allocations and focus on sustainable solutions that bring real change.”
She vehemently criticized the common strategy used by many leaders and organizations, where temporary measures, such as setting up tents and offering small incentives, are used to mobilize people for conversations about GBV.
“This method is outdated and ineffective. We cannot continue to hold meetings in tents, with people simply given a fee to attend. Real solutions require permanent, impactful interventions,” Orwoba stated.
The Senator passionately advocated for the establishment of gender courts, specialized institutions that could fast-track GBV cases and ensure justice is served swiftly.
“We need gender courts where cases are resolved within six months, not years,” she emphasized, stressing the importance of an efficient legal system to protect survivors.
Orwoba’s remarks sparked a call for stronger, more permanent structures to combat GBV and femicide, emphasizing that these issues demand long-term commitment and action.
