Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has spoken out following an increase in the number of defilement and murder cases against women and children in Kenya.

In a press statement issued out on Monday, July 19, the former Prime Minister condemned the incidences, calling on the National Police to protect women and children from predators who are out to take away their lives.

He also called on the Judiciary to assure Kenyans that justice will come swiftly and fairly where lives have been senselessly lost.

“Justice is taking too long to come if it ever does for the victims…Kenyans must speak out loudly against the slaughter of children and gender-based violence. These murders cannot be treated as personal or family matters. These are Kenyan matters and must be treated as such,” reads Raila’s statement in part.

The African Union envoy noted that the perpetrators of the incidences must be stopped and be brought to book.

His statement comes just days after a serial killer, Evans Juma Wanjala who lured, assaulted, defiled and murdered five girls was arrested.

In yet another similar event, Masten Milimu Wanjala, a 20-year-old man admitted to the kidnappings, execution of two minors in cold blood in Kabete.

The children were identified as Charles Opindo Bala, 13 who went missing on June 30, 2021, and Mutuku Musyoka, 12 who went missing on July 8. They were found in a thicket in Kabete, Kiambu County.