Detectives are currently conducting an investigation into the discovery of a severely mutilated female corpse located near Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi.
The body was abandoned at the site by unidentified individuals on the morning of Thursday, October 31.
According to police reports, the remains included human bones and appeared to have been subjected to boiling, with the flesh removed.
The motive for this heinous act remains unclear, and no arrests have been made as the identity of the victim has yet to be established.
The incident has left the local community in shock, prompting police to transport the remains to the mortuary for preservation and identification purposes.
This occurrence has heightened concerns regarding the targeting of women, particularly in light of the fact that at least 97 women have been murdered in separate incidents over the past three months.
Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat, indicated that these incidents took place in September, October, and November of 2024.
He described the trend as alarming and urged for immediate action to address the situation.
“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 held a press conference at the National Police headquarters located at Jogoo House in response to growing concerns regarding the increase in killings aimed at women.
Femicide, which is characterized as the deliberate murder of women and girls, has become a pressing issue.
“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 Principal Secretary for Gender Anne Wangombe, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, and Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin.
He emphasized the commitment of the police to address and investigate all serious crimes.
Lagat noted that approximately 90% of femicide cases have been comprehensively investigated, leading to the apprehension of suspects, with these cases currently awaiting court proceedings.
Amin remarked that all cases are being investigated impartially and indicated 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.
Wangombe stated that the distressing occurrences of recent weeks depict a bleak scenario regarding the 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 expressed 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 added.
