President William Ruto at State House when he received the report./SCREENGRAB
President William Ruto on Monday declared that violence against any Kenyan is unacceptable, warning that abuse rooted in gender, power and inequality is a betrayal of the Constitution, national values and shared humanity.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the launch of the report by the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence on Monday, Ruto said protecting life is a core duty of the State.
“Protecting life, dignity, and safety is not optional; it is a core duty of the State,” Ruto said, while stressing that ending gender-based violence cannot be left to government alone.
Ruto called for a collective national response, urging families, faith institutions, community leaders, security agencies and citizens to take responsibility.
“Parents and families must nurture respect and non-violence in the home. Religious institutions must uphold the sanctity of life and dignity. Community leaders and elders must reject harmful practices and silence around abuse,” he said.
Ruto said security agencies must act firmly and professionally in handling GBV cases.
“Security agencies must act firmly, professionally, and without fear or favour,” he said, adding that citizens also have a role to play.
“Citizens must speak out, report abuse, and stand with survivors. Every Kenyan has a role to play in ensuring that GBV is prevented, reported, and punished.”
He made the remarks as he received a report by the taskforce, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, which calls for urgent, coordinated action to address GBV, including femicide.
The report highlights rising cases of domestic violence, harmful cultural practices and technology-facilitated abuse, with women and girls bearing the heaviest burden.
The President said the report should mark a decisive shift in how the country confronts GBV.
“Let this report mark not an end, but a turning point; from silence to action, from impunity to accountability, and from fear to safety,” Ruto said.
“Together, as a nation, we must ensure that no Kenyan lives in fear because of their gender.”