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Between August and November 2024, more than 100 women were murdered in Kenya, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Speaking on Thursday, Mudavadi, who also serves as the acting Interior Cabinet Secretary, reported that 7,107 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) had been recorded since September 2023, describing the increase in femicide as “deeply worrying.”
“The concerning issue in the security sector is the rising number of femicide cases, highlighting the ongoing violations of women’s rights,” he stated.
Mudavadi pointed out that Nairobi County had the highest number of SGBV cases during this period, while Samburu and Mandera Counties saw the fewest incidents.
In response to the growing femicide crisis, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified efforts to address the issue. Mudavadi confirmed that investigations into most of the murders have been completed, and the cases are now awaiting trial.
Additionally, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has established a specialized Missing Persons Unit within the DCI Homicide Unit to address femicide and related crimes.
To tackle the issue, President William Ruto has directed the formation of a Presidential Working Group on Femicide. Mudavadi mentioned that the team, set to be officially gazetted soon, will be responsible for developing actionable proposals to combat femicide within 90 days.
The rise in femicide and SGBV cases has raised concerns among human rights organizations and the public. Activists are urging the government to declare femicide a national disaster, enhance support systems for survivors, and expedite justice for victims.
During a meeting with women leaders at State House, President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating gender-based violence. He announced the allocation of Sh100 million for the Safe Home, Safe Space campaign.
“Psychological support and safe spaces for women and children are priorities in my office. We are launching the Safe Home, Safe Space campaign as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, starting November 25, 2024,” President Ruto said.
He also announced the creation of a committee, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, tasked with finding lasting solutions to end femicide in Kenya.
These government initiatives come amidst growing calls for stronger preventive measures and faster justice to address the escalating crisis.
