In the last three months, at least of 97 women have been murdered in separate incidents.
Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat, reported that these occurrences took place in September, October, and November of 2024.
He described this trend as concerning and urged for measures to be implemented to tackle the issue.
“This troubling trend highlights the urgent need for focused action and collaboration to tackle the widespread problem of gender-based violence in society,” he said.
Lagat spoke at a press conference held at the National Police Headquarters in Jogoo House, responding to concerns regarding the increasing incidents of killings aimed at women.
Femicide is characterized as the deliberate act of taking the lives of women and girls.
“This has become a critical issue in Kenya, especially with a significant increase in murder and manslaughter cases over the past two years,” he said.
Lagat was joined by Anne Wangombe, the Principal Secretary for Gender, DIG Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, and Mohamed Amin, the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
He emphasized the commitment of the police to tackle and investigate all serious offenses.
“We recognize the importance of swiftly resolving these cases to ensure justice for victims and their families. Notable concluded cases include the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong, which took place in Imenti North, Meru County, on September 16, 2018.
“After a thorough investigation, Benson Kimathi Marangu was found guilty of this tragic crime and sentenced to 40 years in prison,” he said.
One notable case he referenced is that of Monica Nyawira Kimani, which occurred on September 19, 2018.
The defendant, Jowie Irungu, was swiftly arrested and subsequently found guilty, resulting in a life sentence for this heinous offense.
“We also reflect on the heart breaking case of Sheilah Adhiambo Lumumba, who was tragically murdered in Karatina, Nyeri County, on April 14, 2022.
“The investigation resulted in a successful conviction, and the accused, Billinton Mwatire, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. These cases highlight the NPS unwavering commitment to bringing justice to victims and communities impacted by violent crime,” he added.
Lagat stated that approximately 90% of femicide cases have been comprehensively investigated, leading to the apprehension of suspects, and these cases are currently awaiting proceedings in the courts.
“We are still appealing for information that will lead to the re-arrest of Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, the primary suspect in the Kware murders, who escaped from police custody,” he said.
Lagat stated that through focused strategies and cooperative initiatives with diverse stakeholders, law enforcement aims to create a safer environment for women while ensuring thorough investigation and prosecution of all femicide cases.
Wangombe remarked that the distressing incidents of recent weeks illustrate a troubling resurgence of femicide within our society.
“Not only do these horrific events devastate families, they also shake the community as a whole, making people to live in constant fear and anxiety- ever worrying about their safety and those of their loved ones. It’s an inherent right to live. As such everyone, irrespective of their gender, should be allowed to enjoy it,” she said.
Wangombe stated their dedication to enhancing preventive measures against egregious acts and fostering the essential assurance that everyone feels secure in their familiar surroundings.
“As a State Department, we remain firm in our commitment to mitigating gender-based violence and ensuring swift justice to victims of GBV, while collaboratively addressing cultural and societal biases that perpetuate femicide and violence in all its forms,” she stated.
Amin stated that all cases are being investigated with equal diligence and emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting that women are being specifically targeted.
“These are criminals who are behind these incidents and we are addressing them all,” he said.
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