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{
    "id": 1371876,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1371876/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 243,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.37 asking that the Senate do now adjourn to discuss a definite matter of national importance; namely, the increased femicide cases recently witnessed in the country. I wish to begin by repeating a Statement I had made in January because this matter has not become any better. In fact, there is a section of men that have become even more involved and seemingly attacking women for sheer sport. I condemn in the strongest term possible the careless, barbaric and methodical execution of young defenceless women at the hands of their intimate partners and husbands, which have almost become common place yet the correct term has yet to capture our lexicon. Femicide is a deep-rooted hate crime that strikes at the very heart of our commitment to justice, equality, fundamental human rights and must be called out and know uncertain terms for what it is, a national emergency. With back-to-back reports in January alone bringing to light at least 17 femicide cases by way of violent stabbings, strangulation and mutilation, I never could have imagined that being a woman in Kenya would become a matter of life and death. This war waged against women contravenes Article 29(c) of the Constitution and its existential threat that has gone on for far too long. Today is Valentine’s Day, a time to celebrate love, romance and relationships. However, this year, in the wake of hate crimes and brutal killings of women, we have seen love sharply overshadowed by fear, violence and death in Kenya. Red used to signify love, but has now turned into blood. Why is it as women, our love and femininity is adorned and sought after by men yet persecuted and oppressed in equal measure by the very same men? It cannot be ignored that this thing we seek, this love, indeed has a dark side. This year, I stand in solidarity with all victims of femicide by calling women across the country to wear black instead of red moving this Motion to discuss the increased femicide cases and hosting a vigil concert at the University of Nairobi this evening which I invite everyone to attend because this is a dark valentine. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for all its popularity, the origins of Valentine’s Day are unclear. It is said to have stemmed from ancient pagan festival where offering animals sacrifices and whipping women with the dirty and bloody skins of those animals. To awaken their fertility was the focus of the ritual. This was called lupercalia. In the 5th Century, that bloody tradition was quickly cleaned up by the Roman Church and named Saint Valentine’s Day after a priest named father Valentine. I find that"
}