Kenyans have taken to social media to express their outrage after gender-based violence (GBV) activist Njeri Wa Migwi gave a breakdown of how Kshs 100 million allocated by President William Ruto’s administration to curb GBV and femicide was allegedly misused.
The funds were meant to finance a nationwide sensitization campaign after a disturbing rise in femicide cases in 2024, but Kenyans are now questioning whether the money was effectively utilized.
Anti-Femicides activist Njeri Wa Migwi. Photo: Tuko Source: Instagram
President Ruto allocated the funds under Article 223 of the Constitution, intending to support campaigns led by 102 Members of Parliament (MPs) in at least 102 constituencies.
However, a leaked budget breakdown has left Kenyans furious, as it reveals questionable expenses, including Kshs 50,000 per constituency on sodas and another Kshs 50,000 on bottled water.
William Ruto delivers a keynote speech during a past event. Photo: Tuko Source: Instagram
Additionally, scarves worth Kshs 200,000 were procured per constituency, raising eyebrows about how these expenditures contribute to stopping femicide and GBV.
Njeri Wa Migwi’s revelations have sparked an uproar, with many Kenyans taking to X with the phrase “Yani Mlikula Pesa Tau Tau?”—a slang expression questioning whether public officials wasted or embezzled all the allocated funds.
Some netizens have claimed they never witnessed any GBV awareness activities in their regions, further fueling suspicions about the effectiveness of the campaign.
“I have never seen any sensitization campaign in my constituency. Where did the money go? Who received the sodas and scarves?” one Twitter user asked.
The initiative was to be executed by various stakeholders, including FIDA, CREAW, KEWOPA, and NGEC, who were tasked with coordinating and documenting efforts.
However, activists argue that spending on items like tents, PA systems, and refreshments fails to address the root causes of femicide.
As pressure mounts, Kenyans are demanding transparency and accountability from both the government and the involved MPs.
The call for an independent audit of the funds grows louder, with many questioning whether the intended beneficiaries—survivors of GBV—received any tangible assistance.
