Nairobi, Kenya, November 14 – Thousands of Kenyan women are preparing to take to the streets on December 10, demanding an end to the rising wave of femicide across the country.
The movement, fueled by anger and frustration, has gained power after an increasing number of high-profile cases brought the issue into focus.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime defines femicide as the targeted killing of women and girls for gender-related reasons, such as cultural beliefs that favor male dominance, expectations to enforce traditional gender roles, or retaliation for behavior deemed unacceptable.
In a statement on October 29, 2024, a coalition of prominent Kenyan human rights organizations urged President William Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis.
This coalition has been vocal about the need for a government-led, coordinated response to the brutal murders of women and girls, which have reached extreme levels.
According to recent data from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), there were 94 murders of women and girls between 2021 and 2024, with 65 individuals charged in connection with these cases.
The statistics are alarming, and some recent incidents have sparked public outrage and intense media attention:
– In Baringo, police arrested a man after his wife’s decomposing body was found, following reports of a domestic dispute.
– In Kiambaa, the mutilated body of 19-year-old Sharon Atieno was discovered after she went for a walk and never returned.
– In Eastleigh, Nairobi, Hashim Dagane Muhumed was arrested in connection with the murders of a mother, her daughter, and her 12-year-old niece.
– Socialite Wahu and 20-year-old student Rita Waeni were found dead under suspicious circumstances, raising questions about the safety of women even in seemingly safe environments.
– Six bodies, still unidentified, were recently discovered in a dumpsite in Embakasi, sparking fear across the community.
President Ruto has since spoken out, calling on security agencies to tackle the femicide crisis head-on.
“We have seen the cold-blooded murders of our daughters, mothers, and women,” he stated, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other relevant authorities to take a firm stance against these crimes.
Ruto also called on the public to remain vigilant and watchful, warning of individuals who may lure women and girls into dangerous situations. “We must stay alert as a nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat acknowledged the recent surge in cases, reporting 97 femicides in the past three months alone.
Lagat emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, urging the government, civil society, and religious leaders to foster a broader conversation around the issue. “Through a united effort, we can combat femicide and protect the lives of our citizens,” he said, stressing the importance of society-wide engagement in curbing this tragic trend.
As the nation grapples with this growing crisis, the December 10 march is set to be a defining moment in the fight for safety, justice, and accountability for women and girls across Kenya.
