Anti-Femicide March Scheduled for December 10

Kenyan women are calling for urgent action against femicide, with a large-scale march planned for December 10 to demand an end to these killings.

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, femicide is defined as the deliberate killing of women and girls due to gender-based reasons, including beliefs that prioritize male dominance, the enforcement of traditional gender roles, or punishment for perceived unacceptable behavior. The European Institute for Gender Equality similarly describes femicide as the most extreme form of gender-based violence, rooted in societal power imbalances.

On October 29, 2024, a coalition of prominent Kenyan human rights organizations issued a joint statement urging President William Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis. They called for a coordinated government response, noting a disturbing increase in brutal murders targeting women and girls.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported in January 2024 that 94 women and girls were killed between 2021 and 2024, with 65 suspects charged in connection to these crimes.

Some recent cases have ignited public outrage:

– In Baringo, a 25-year-old man was arrested after his wife’s decomposing body was discovered, reportedly following a domestic conflict.
– In Kiambaa, police found the mutilated remains of 19-year-old Sharon Atieno, who disappeared after leaving home for a walk.
– The arrest of Hashim Dagane Muhumed in relation to the murders of a mother, her daughter, and her 12-year-old niece in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
– The suspicious deaths of socialite Wahu and 20-year-old student Rita Waeni.
– Six bodies recently uncovered at the Kware dumpsite in Embakasi.

President Ruto has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to combat femicide. “I know we’ve recently witnessed tragic incidents of our girls, mothers, and women being murdered in cold blood,” he stated. “The DCI and other investigative authorities must act decisively against these criminals.”

He also urged society to be vigilant against individuals who prey on women and girls, adding, “We must all be on alert as a nation.”

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat confirmed a sharp rise in murder and manslaughter cases, revealing that 97 femicides have been reported nationwide in the past three months alone. Despite the increase, he noted that significant progress has been made in investigating these cases.

“We urge all members of society, including government, civil, and religious leaders, to participate in this essential dialogue,” he said. “Through collective action, we can help eliminate femicide and protect our citizens.”