The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has issued a strong condemnation following the brutal killing of six women in different parts of the country over the span of just three days. This spate of murders has sent shockwaves throughout the nation and reignited concerns over the growing insecurity faced by women and girls in Kenya. FIDA-Kenya, a well-respected human rights organization, is calling for immediate action by law enforcement agencies and the government to prioritize the investigation of these cases and deliver justice to the victims and their families.
Christin Kungu, Chairperson of FIDA-Kenya, did not mince her words in the organization’s statement, describing the killings as “senseless” and a reflection of the escalating threat to the safety and security of women in Kenyan society. Her impassioned plea was backed by a clear message that echoed the frustration of many Kenyans: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” she declared, making it clear that the rising femicide rates are intolerable and that urgent steps are required to stem the tide of violence.
This latest wave of killings reflects a disturbing trend of femicide that has plagued Kenya in recent years, prompting serious reflection on the state of security for women in the country.
Femicide in Kenya: An Escalating Crisis
Femicide, defined as the killing of a woman or girl, particularly by a man, on account of her gender, has become an all-too-common headline in Kenya’s newspapers. The murder of these six women is part of a broader crisis where gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls appears to be rising at an alarming rate. A national conversation on femicide has been simmering for years, but these recent incidents bring it to the forefront, demanding immediate attention.
Despite efforts by various human rights organizations, including FIDA-Kenya, and government bodies, gender-based violence remains rampant. Data from the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) indicates that Kenya has experienced an upward trajectory in cases of GBV and femicide over the past decade. This growing epidemic is fueled by a variety of factors, including patriarchal attitudes, economic hardship, and insufficient law enforcement, all of which perpetuate a culture of impunity.
While these specific murders are still under investigation, it is a grim reminder that many victims of femicide in Kenya die at the hands of intimate partners or other men who are known to them. However, the problem goes beyond individual relationships. As Kungu pointed out, women in Kenya are facing an overarching “threat to their security and safety” that calls for a comprehensive response from multiple sectors, including the government, law enforcement, civil society, and the community at large.
The Role of Law Enforcement and Accountability
At the heart of FIDA-Kenya’s call to action is a demand for greater accountability from law enforcement agencies. The federation’s statement emphasized the urgent need for the police and other security agencies to prioritize investigations into these cases. While it is still unclear whether the murders were isolated incidents or part of a larger, coordinated pattern, what remains certain is that justice must be swift and decisive to prevent further occurrences.
Kenya’s criminal justice system has often been criticized for its slow response to cases of GBV and femicide. Delays in investigation, lack of thorough forensic processes, and a tendency to downplay the severity of such crimes have led to a sense of mistrust among many women and activists. Moreover, the stigma associated with reporting violence further discourages women from coming forward. As a result, many cases go unreported, unsolved, or under-prosecuted, contributing to a culture of impunity.
Kungu stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to take these cases seriously and ensure that the families of the victims see justice. “These crimes must not go unresolved,” she said, speaking on behalf of FIDA-Kenya and countless women who have been affected by femicide and GBV. The call for justice is not just about the six women who lost their lives but also about sending a message that such violence will not be tolerated.
Government Response and Policy Reform
While FIDA-Kenya has made its voice heard, the organization’s call to action also extends to the Kenyan government. The responsibility to protect women from violence falls on multiple government institutions, and the recent killings underscore the need for immediate, concrete steps to bolster security for women and girls.
One of the key areas in need of reform is legislation. Although Kenya has laws in place that criminalize GBV and offer protections to women, implementation remains inconsistent. The Sexual Offences Act of 2006, for instance, was a landmark law aimed at curbing sexual violence, but it has not been sufficient in addressing the root causes of gender-based violence. Similarly, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, enacted in 2015, offers legal mechanisms for victims to seek protection, yet enforcement remains weak, and the justice system has been slow to adapt.
Kungu called on the government to “enhance the protection of women,” but this requires more than policy promises. It calls for systemic changes in how cases of femicide and GBV are handled, from the moment they are reported to their resolution in the courts. This includes investing in training for law enforcement personnel to handle GBV cases with sensitivity, increasing funding for women’s shelters, and improving access to mental health services for survivors of abuse.
In addition, there needs to be greater public awareness campaigns that challenge the social norms and cultural beliefs that perpetuate violence against women. Engaging communities to speak out against femicide and educating the public about the rights of women could go a long way toward preventing future tragedies.
FIDA-Kenya’s Role in Championing Women’s Rights
As one of Kenya’s most prominent human rights organizations, FIDA-Kenya has been a consistent advocate for the protection and empowerment of women. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has been at the forefront of the fight for women’s legal rights, offering legal aid to women and girls who have experienced violence, discrimination, and abuse.
The organization has also played a key role in shaping public discourse around gender-based violence. Its advocacy work includes pushing for the implementation of stronger legal frameworks and ensuring that Kenya adheres to its international commitments to women’s rights, such as those outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
In light of these recent killings, FIDA-Kenya’s voice carries significant weight in the national conversation on femicide. Their leadership in condemning these brutal murders sets an important example for other organizations and stakeholders, encouraging them to take action and push for reforms.
Looking Forward: A Collective Call to Action
While the recent murders of six women have reignited concerns over femicide in Kenya, it is important to recognize that addressing this crisis requires a collective effort. The responsibility lies not only with law enforcement and the government but also with society at large. There must be an acknowledgment that violence against women is not just a “women’s issue,” but a societal issue that affects everyone.
As FIDA-Kenya continues to advocate for justice and accountability, the hope is that these tragic deaths will serve as a catalyst for change. The fight against femicide is far from over, but with organizations like FIDA-Kenya leading the charge, there is hope that women in Kenya will one day be able to live free from fear and violence.
In the meantime, the families of the victims deserve justice, and the country must come together to ensure that these heinous crimes do not go unanswered. Only through a concerted effort can Kenya turn the tide against the growing threat of femicide and ensure the safety and dignity of all its women and girls.
