Mathare United Women’s FC bans fan over femicide comments in viral clip
Mathare United Women’s Football Team has permanently banned one of its fans, known as Ronaldo, from attending any of their matches or engaging with the team in any capacity.
The decision came after video footage surfaced showing Ronaldo making insulting and irresponsible remarks that promoted violence against women.
In response to the incident, Mathare Women FC took to their official platform to announce the ban.
In a tweet, the team stated, “After video footage emerged yesterday of one of our fans, Ronaldo, insulting and giving irresponsible remarks that promote violence against women, we have decided as a team to permanently ban him from attending our matches, coming to our premises.” The team emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
The statement continued, “Mathare United Women Team will not tolerate characters like him, who promote violence not only against women but against any human being. #MUWFC #EndFemicideNow #TogetherAgainstFemicide.”
Here are responses from KOX. Gabriel Oguda wrote, “You’ve taken the appropriate action. You have our complete support.”
Another tweep, @IngNdolo added, “Well done! I stand by your decision. The next step should be reporting him.”
This comes at a time when demonstrations were held across major cities in Kenya on Saturday, January 27, as a collective response to the escalating cases of femicide and violence against women.
Hundreds of protestors have gathered in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Nyeri, and Lodwar, carrying placards bearing the names of victims who fell victim to these heinous acts.
The protest comes in the wake of a disturbing trend of violent murders of women, including the tragic cases of Starlet Wahu, who was tortured and killed in a short-stay rental in South B, and Rita Waeni, whose dismembered remains were discovered in a plastic bag at a BnB rental apartment.
A 2022 survey revealed that at least one in three Kenyan women has experienced physical violence at some point in their lives, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Femicide, defined as intentionally killing a woman or girl because of their gender, has become a prevalent issue in the country.
Amnesty International reports that more than 500 cases of femicide were recorded in Kenya between 2016 and 2023, with many victims falling prey to intimate partners or individuals known to them.
Protesters are demanding swift and decisive action from authorities, calling for expedited justice for recent victims of sexual and gender-based violence.