The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) expresses deep sorrow and grave concern following the brutal attack and subsequent death of gospel singer Rachel Wandeto at Kenyatta National Hospital. The Commission extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all Kenyans mourning this tragic loss.

While investigations remain the constitutional mandate of law enforcement agencies, the Commission reiterates that every person is entitled to the protection of the law and to the enjoyment of constitutional rights, including safety, dignity, and security of life.

This incident reflects a broader and deeply troubling pattern of violence affecting women, girls, and children across the country. The Commission is particularly concerned by the increasing cases of femicide and killings of minors recently reported in Wajir, Isiolo, Nairobi, and Tana River, among other counties. These incidents point to a growing national crisis that requires urgent attention to prevention, protection systems, and accountability for perpetrators.

The persistence of such cases underscores the urgency of strengthening institutional response mechanisms, improving coordination across duty bearers, and ensuring that protection systems for women and children function effectively at all levels of
government.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees equality, human dignity, freedom and security of the person, and the highest attainable standard of health. These provisions place a clear obligation on the State to safeguard life and protect all persons from violence and harm.

Kenya also has established legal and policy frameworks addressing gender-based violence, including the Sexual Offences Act, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, the Victim Protection Act, the Children Act, and national policies guiding prevention and response. The Commission emphasizes the importance of consistent implementation and enforcement of these frameworks to ensure meaningful protection and accountability. Sustained attention to institutional coordination, timely investigations, survivor support services, effective prosecution of offenders, and community-level prevention remains central to addressing the rising cases of violence
against women and children.

Findings and recommendations from various national reviews and technical assessments on gender-based violence, including those undertaken by different State and non-State actors, continue to reinforce the need for stronger enforcement, improved systems coordination, and enhanced protection for survivors.

In light of this, the Commission calls for:
1. Prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into all reported cases of femicide and killings of women and children, with accountability for perpetrators and any failures within the justice chain.
2. Strengthened enforcement of existing constitutional, legal, and policy frameworks on gender-based violence and child protection, supported by improved coordination among relevant institutions.
3. Enhanced prevention measures, including early warning systems, community-based protection structures, and sustained public awareness on gender-based violence.
4. Expansion of survivor-centered services, including psychosocial support, legal aid, shelters, and accessible reporting mechanisms across counties.
5. Reinforced collaboration among national and county governments, security agencies, oversight institutions, civil society, faith-based organizations, and communities to address the root causes and manifestations of violence.

The Commission reiterates that violence against women, girls, and children represents a serious threat to national well-being, social stability, and the realization of constitutional rights. We demand consistent institutional action, accountability, and sustained commitment to protecting the dignity and safety of all persons.

The National Gender and Equality Commission remains committed to supporting coordinated national efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and to uphold equality, dignity, and justice for all.

HON. REHEMA JALDESA
CHAIRPERSON