Janet Mbugua shares ‘Dark Valentine’ vigil plan
Media personality and human rights advocate Janet Mbugua has taken a stand against femicide, announcing a vigil named ‘Dark Valentine’ to honor the memory of women brutally murdered due to gender-based violence.
Scheduled for February 14, the vigil will take place at the University of Nairobi (UoN) main campus from 4 pm to 7 pm.
“Despite the week being Valentine’s Day, there remains a shadow of darkness. Instead of celebrating love, we mourn for many who have fallen victim to gender-based violence,” she said.
As a mother of two, Mbugua emphasized that the vigil aims to not only remember the lives lost but also to push for action from the government.
The vigil will also serve as a platform to pressure Parliament and County Assemblies to address a set of demands outlined in a petition aimed at curbing femicide.
Among the demands are calls for the President to declare Violence Against Women (VAW) and femicide as a national crisis and to implement measures ensuring zero tolerance for such acts.
The petition further urges government officials, including Members of Parliament, Senators, and judicial officers, to publicly condemn gender-based violence and femicide.
“On Wednesday the 14th of February, there will be a Dark Valentine vigil taking place at the University of Nairobi Main Campus from 4PM to 7PM, as a vigil and memorial to our lost sisters as well as to put pressure on Parliament and County Assemblies opening on the 13th of Feb 2024 to read and act on our demands to our delivered petition. Locations for other similar vigils will be updated soon so please keep a look out. Please share widely and come if you can. Bring your friends, partners, family.”
She also appealed to the public to show solidarity by contributing items such as candles, water, flowers, and handkerchiefs to support the vigil participants.
“Ahead of the national vigil, if you are able to, please send some items to support those who will be participating. Items include: candles, water, flowers, handkerchiefs.”
This initiative comes in response to a surge in femicide cases reported in January, highlighting the urgent need for action to address gender-based violence in the country.
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