Episode 20 Part 2: Legacy series with Kaari Murungi

Content note: Listeners are advised that this episode contains graphic descriptions of the aftermath of genocide crimes.

About the legacy series

The legacy series is a long form conversation with senior feminists. These conversations take place over three or four episodes tracing feminist journeys and lessons over time.

About the episode

In Part 2 of our legacy series with Betty Kaari Murungi, we confront the difficult but vital realities of her work—documenting atrocities, seeking justice, and shaping global conversations on gender accountability. From witnessing the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide to advocating for survivors at the ICC, Kaari shares her experiences at the frontlines of international justice. We also explore the emotional toll of this work and the often-overlooked need for care, both for survivors and those fighting on their behalf.

Bio

Betty Kaari Murungi is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a longstanding gender equality, social justice and peace advocate. Kaari has considerable experience in international criminal justice and accountability mechanisms and has worked in Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Northern Uganda, South Sudan and her native country Kenya. Murungi co-founded the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights Africa and served as the founding director growing and steering the fund successfully for eight years. Ms. Murungi has served in the following capacities: Vice Chairperson and Commissioner to the Kenya Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (2009-2010); Africa representative on the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims at the International Criminal Court (2009-2013); Gender Advisor to President Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana and Chair of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission – JMEC- South Sudan ( 2016); Senior Transitional Justice Advisor, JMEC, South Sudan (2017-2018); member of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (July 2018- March 2019).

Credits

Interviewee: Betty Kaari Murungi

Interviewer: Awino Okech

Produced by: The Feminist Centre for Racial Justice

Sound design, editing, additional scripting, production: Ellan A. Lincoln-Hyde

Music: Rockets by Ketsa, freemusicarchive.org
Additional sounds: Kigali Suburbs by Rwanda SFX Library/Bardman; footsteps by kyles, Industrial Drone by Jovica, freesound.org