From Victim Blaming to Accountability: Rethinking Femicide Reporting in Kenya

“It was her fault; why didn’t she know better? That’s the price you pay; she deserved it.” These are just a few of the disturbing comments that flood the online space whenever femicide occurs in Kenya.

With the alarming rise in femicide cases raising public concerns about women’s safety, we must rethink how femicide is portrayed and addressed. The media plays a crucial role in this conversation.

As media professionals, we are often the first responders at crime scenes, tasked with capturing the horror of these events through words and visuals. This responsibility positions us as vital stakeholders in highlighting and setting the agenda around femicide. Most individuals learn about femicide through various media channels—both digital and traditional. The power we wield allows us to shape narratives and influence public perception.

It is essential to recognize that the media has a profound social and cultural impact on society. Thus, our reporting should reflect the positive aspects of our communities while adhering to ethical standards. Sustained coverage of femicide across all platforms is critical for maintaining pressure on duty bearers and ensuring accountability, all while respecting the dignity of victims.

High-profile cases, such as the brutal murders of Scarlet Wahu and Rita Waeni, have sparked conversations about the dangers women face daily. According to a report from the Media Council of Kenya on femicide coverage from January 1 to January 31, 2024, these incidents highlight a growing crisis that demands our attention.

The report emphasizes that the media must report on femicide sensitively and accurately, being mindful of the potential harm that sensationalized reporting can inflict. In 2022, Africa recorded over 20,000 deaths due to intimate partner violence—statistics from UN Women (2023) indicate that this trend continues into 2024, underscoring an urgent need for comprehensive responses.

In addressing this challenge, we must engage in a thorough analysis of our role in either perpetuating or combating femicide.

Today, I will explore two critical aspects: terminology used in reporting and ethical reporting practices essential for tackling femicide objectively.

While it is crucial to report on femicide, sensationalized headlines, and graphic details can further traumatize victims’ families and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women. For instance:

• The term “Love Triangle” trivializes femicide by suggesting jealousy or romantic rivalry as motives for violence, thus downplaying the perpetrator’s culpability.
• “Domestic Dispute” minimizes the severity of violence and implies provocation by the victim, obscuring power dynamics in abusive relationships.
• Focusing on a victim’s past or personal life can shift blame onto them, ignoring systemic issues like gender inequality that contribute to femicide.

As we continue this conversation, it is vital to recognize that sensationalism and victim-blaming undermine the seriousness of these issues. The media should proactively address triggers of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) rather than only reporting after tragedies occur. Following up on femicide cases and reporting on investigative progress is equally important.

Above all, we must remember that adherence to the Code of Conduct for Journalism in Kenya is

paramount while reporting on femicide.

Extract of a speech by AMWIK Executice Director, Queenter Mbori, during a meeting with key actors working on violence against women in Kenya