The recent announcement by Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi regarding the formation of a specialized missing persons unit to deal with femicide cases highlights the Kenyan government’s proactive approach to tackling rising violence and ensuring public safety. This initiative comes in response to an alarming surge in femicide cases and gender-based violence (GBV) reports, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing these critical issues effectively.
Formation of the Missing Persons Unit: In his national security briefing on Thursday, Mudavadi revealed the creation of a specialized unit under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide unit. Spearheaded by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the unit is tasked with investigating and addressing femicide cases, which have surged significantly in recent months. From August to November 2024 alone, Kenya recorded 100 femicide cases a stark reminder of the widespread issue of violence against women in the country. Additionally, the DCI has completed investigations into several cases, although many are still pending court proceedings.
Growing Crisis of Gender-Based Violence: Mudavadi’s report also highlighted the broader scope of GBV in Kenya, with a total of 7,107 cases recorded from September 2023 to late 2024. Nairobi was identified as the region with the highest prevalence of such cases, while Mandera and Samburu recorded the least. The alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for more targeted and effective interventions. To address this crisis, Mudavadi announced the formation of a presidential working group on femicide, expected to deliver actionable proposals within 90 days. These proposals will aim to install a structured approach to tackling femicide, emphasizing prevention, protection, and prosecution measures.
Challenges from Recent Protests: The discussion by Mudavadi also touched on the challenges faced by the government during the June 2024 Finance Bill protests, which were marred by violence and the loss of lives. Mudavadi acknowledged that these protests were initially peaceful but were later infiltrated by criminal elements seeking to exploit the situation for destructive purposes. The subsequent loss of lives both among civilians and security personnel served as a somber reminder of the need for balance between the right to peaceful assembly and maintaining public order. Mudavadi emphasized that while the government regrets these losses, it remains committed to upholding safety and security for all Kenyans.
Role of Social Media in Misinformation: The use of social media to spread false narratives, particularly about abductions being portrayed as lawful arrests, was also highlighted. Mudavadi called for regulation to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain public order. The government’s stance is to ensure that all arrests are conducted within the law, with any officer found contravening these principles held accountable. This approach is aimed at preserving the integrity of law enforcement and public trust.
Addressing Broader Security Challenges: Beyond femicide, Mudavadi addressed other critical security issues, including the fight against terrorism. Between January 2022 and November 2024, Kenya successfully thwarted 27 terrorist attacks and secured 11 successful convictions through collaboration with international agencies. The government’s efforts also resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists. Furthermore, Mudavadi highlighted a 62% decrease in cattle rustling incidents in banditry-prone areas, underscoring the success of the Maliza Uhalifu operation across various counties such as Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, and others.
Public Safety Measures During Festive Season: In preparation for the festive season, Mudavadi urged Kenyans to exercise caution on the roads, with an increased police presence and patrols along major highways. An 11% rise in road accident injuries from 2023 was noted, despite a decrease in fatalities. Mudavadi stressed the importance of strict enforcement of road safety regulations, including the need for all public service vehicles to have valid road service licenses. The government’s initiative is aimed at reducing road accidents and enhancing safety for motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.
Conclusion: As Kenya faces rising violence and insecurity, the formation of a specialized missing persons unit for femicide cases marks a crucial step toward addressing these challenges. With a structured approach to tackling GBV, terrorism, and road safety, the government’s actions reflect a broader commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. Mudavadi’s call for partnership with law enforcement in reporting criminal activities highlights the need for collective effort in building a safer and more secure Kenya during the holiday season and beyond.
