My Penny on the ongoing femicide wave in Kenya

I don't know where to begin.

At twenty six, within the early stages of my career pursuit.

I had heard of the term and the hashtag SGBV.

I would watch cases of women brutally murdered after being raped on the news.

'It can't apply to me', i told myself.

I would read blogs about a certain woman who was minding her own business, when out of the blues she found herself within near death experience at the hands of a man.

'That can never be me,' I whispered.

I gave excuses for every incidence that happened, downright knowing that i would never be a victim. Ever.

Until, one day it stopped being a story, and it became real.

A former colleague.

An acquaintance.

A person i trusted.

Did it, not to my sister, nor cousin, nor friend.

But to me.

Then shit became real in a matter of milliseconds.

Kenya has recorded a number of four murder cases, in 2024 alone.

As i write this, we are a few days past the half mark of January 2024.

As i write this, I am scared of what you, on the other side of the screen will think of me

As i write this, I am terrified of the prospect of people knowing that this terrible happened to me.

As i write this, i have fought a battle of will, my silence almost winning over my voice.

But, that does not outdo the rage that i feel inside me as these cases keep rising.

I do not have a solution.

But i know one thing for sure; no matter how half naked a girl dresses, no matter what their occupation is-even if it is prostitution, no matter what your age is, no one deserves to be raped, and then murdered.

My prayer is that we don't wait for it to hit close to home to take action.

As i turn a year older today, i dedicate my birthday to all survivors out there. I hope your voice outweighs your silence on this global menace.

Let's stand together, and speak against Sexual and gender based violence.

P.S//I am an upcoming author from Kenya, (new to this space) and i am looking forward to join a community that cares for my cause.

P.S.S//I also write on LinkedIn-it would mean a lot to me if we connected there.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-wavomba/