President William Ruto on Friday, January 10, appointed a 42-member taskforce to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) including rising cases of femicide.
In a special gazette notice signed by Ruto, former Depuch Chief Justice Nancy Baraza was named as the chairperson of the taskforce.
The team also includes Mohammed Washala Abdi, Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Edna Ngare Ngeno, Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende, Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, Harleen Kaur Jabbal, and Bashir Isaak.
Other members of the taskforce include Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, Purity Ngina, Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N'gabala Sodonon, Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Faith Odhiambo, Ann Ireri, Seth Masese and Mashetti Masinjila.
Read More
Caroline Jerono Kibiwott, Jessica Achieng Omundo, Geoffrey Rotich and Baldwin Anyiga were appointed as the joint secretaries of the taskforce.
Rosemary Muriungi, Kepha Onyiso and Philomena Loitarengan will serve in the secretariat.
Mandate
Ruto tasked the 42-member team with identifying trends, hotspots, and causes contributing to GBV and Femicide.
The team will also assess the current legal and policy frameworks on GBV and femicide.
Consequently, they will be required to propose amendments to strengthen various laws on femicide and GBV.
"The terms of Reference of the technical working group is to evaluate resource allocation, training levels, and operational effectiveness in managing prevention, response, support and investigations related to cases on GBV and Femicide," read the notice in part.
"In furtherance of the objectives and purpose of the Technical Working Group, all State entities are directed to afford the Technical Working Group all necessary support and cooperation."
The team is expected to write and present a report to Ruto within 90 days.
