Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has raised concerns over the alarming rise in femicide cases in Kenya, following the tragic discovery of Lydia Tokesi’s body in Gataka Forest, Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County.
Tokesi, 29, had been reported missing before her decomposed and mutilated remains were found in the forest earlier this week.
In a statement shared on her X account on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Wamuchomba condemned the heinous crime, highlighting the urgency to address gender-based violence (GBV) and its underlying causes. The lawmaker called for a shift in focus from merely reacting to such acts to addressing the root causes that perpetuate violence against women.
She expressed hope for justice for Tokesi and called for accountability for those responsible for her death.
The MP emphasized that normalizing gender-based violence is a distraction from addressing its fundamental causes.
“Normalizing Gender-based violence is diversionary to the Fundamental causes. This girl, Lydia Tokesi 29 years deserved flowers, not a coffin. Her decomposed remains collected from a thicket in Kajiado County only confirm the pain she endured before death. May her killers face justice. May her soul find rest,” Wamuchomba expressed.
Normalizing Gender based violence is diversionary to the Fundamental causes .
— Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP (@hon_wamuchomba) January 16, 2025
This girl, Lydia Tokesi 29 years deserved flowers 💐 not Coffin.
Her decomposed remains collected from a thicket in Kajiado County only confirms the pain she endured before death .
May her killers… pic.twitter.com/FAwzhmwPNO
Committee on GBV
On January 10, President William Ruto gazetted a 35-member Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The team comprises Health CS Nancy Barasa as chairperson, Mohammed Washala Abdi, Dr. Ruth Aura Odhiambo, Linah Kilimo, Dr. Edna Ngare Ngeno, Dr. Linda Musumba, Nobert Talam, Michael Kariuki, and Charles Ismael Otieno Otiende. Other members are Diana Christine Nanjala, Peter Mwangi Kamau, Anthony Nzioki, Surum Ipato Korema, Anne Ngetich, Dr. Wangu Kanja, Franklin Wallah, James Nombi, Kizito Wangalwa, and Harleen Kaur Jabbal.
The group also includes Dr. Bashir Isaak, Valentine Chepkoech Simei, Shem Nyakutu, Janey Leakey, Beatrice Karwitha, Lucy Njeri Mwaniki, and Dr. Purity Ngina. Additional members are Dr. Sam Thenya, Susan Ndanyi, Antonia N’gabala Sodonon, Dr. Mercy Karanja, Gloria Wawira, Faith Odhiambo, Ann Ireri, Seth Masese, and Mashetti Masinjila.
The team aims to address increasing cases of GBV and femicide, which cause physical, emotional, and economic harm, exacerbate gender inequalities, and impede sustainable development.
The group’s mandate includes identifying trends, hotspots, and causes of GBV and femicide. It will review current institutional, legal, and policy frameworks to recommend measures for strengthening them. The team will also propose amendments to laws to close legislative gaps, evaluate resource allocation and operational effectiveness, and engage communities for input on solutions. Ultimately, the group will develop actionable recommendations on prevention, investigation, prosecution, and survivor support mechanisms.
The Technical Working Group will report to the Deputy President through the Principal Secretary for Gender.
