The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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More than 100 women and girls were killed in Kenya between January and March 2025, a spike the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) says has become “a disturbing and urgent national crisis.”
The alarming rise pushed the President to form a Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence—covering femicide—via Gazette Notice No. 109. The group’s findings, however, have not yet been released.
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KNCHR warns that the escalating killings expose serious weaknesses in the country’s protection systems and highlight the increasing dangers facing women.
“These murders point to a perilous environment for women and girls,” the Commission stated, adding that the high number of cases in such a short period reflects the seriousness of the situation.
A commissioner described femicide as “a monster gripping the nation,” stressing that girls still face entrenched inequality. Early marriage, violence and other abuses remain prevalent, especially where protection mechanisms are weak.
The Commission also raised concerns about broader social issues that fuel violence. Chairperson Claris Ogangah noted that youth unemployment and idleness often push some into crime.
“We must protect both girls and boys,” she said. “We’ve neglected them for years. Strengthening both genders through our education system is essential.”
Despite increased public awareness, KNCHR says many families still face delayed investigations, stalled court processes and, in some cases, no action at all.
“Femicide is a grave human rights violation,” Ogangah added. “The State must show that women’s lives matter through decisive action.”
The Commission is urging the National Police Service to intensify efforts to investigate and prosecute perpetrators quickly.
“We can’t keep losing women and girls to pointless violence,” she said. “Every unresolved case encourages another attack.”
KNCHR further recorded 57 deaths resulting from right-to-life violations between December 2024 and December 2025, calling the past year “a violation of Article 26 of the Constitution.”
Most of these cases occurred between June and July during nationwide civil unrest.
