Kenya has been gripped by a distressing surge in femicide cases, with women and girls across the country increasingly falling victim to violent crimes. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, President William Ruto recently issued a directive urging Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other security agencies to take decisive action. Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Kithure Kindiki at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), President Ruto expressed deep concern over the worrying trend, stressing that the nation’s investigative authorities must rise to the challenge and take a firm stance against these perpetrators.
“I know that of recent we have seen incidences of our girls, our mothers, our women who have been murdered in cold blood,” Ruto said. “The DCI and all the investigative authorities in the Republic of Kenya must stand up to these criminals, and we must deal with them decisively and firmly.”
Ruto’s statements come amid growing public outcry as cases of femicide continue to dominate headlines, shaking the country’s sense of safety and security. Ruto emphasized that society as a whole must play an active role in addressing this crisis, calling for heightened awareness and caution around suspicious individuals who might pose a threat to women and girls.
The Statistics: A Rising Crisis
The urgency of the President’s call to action was underscored by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who revealed that in the last three months alone, Kenya has recorded a staggering 97 femicide cases. This alarming rise in femicide, with victims spread across various parts of the country, signals a national crisis that demands both immediate action and long-term preventive measures. Lagat described how the investigative and law enforcement teams have already begun to intensify their efforts, employing targeted strategies and forming alliances with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive investigations and effective prosecutions.
A Multi-Agency Approach to Combat Femicide
During his address, Deputy Inspector General Lagat acknowledged the necessity of a multi-agency approach to tackling the escalating cases of violence against women. Working closely with other arms of the government, civil society, and religious leaders, law enforcement agencies aim to create a safer environment for women by curbing femicide and related crimes. Lagat said, “We urge every member of society, including governmental, civil, and religious leaders, to engage in this crucial dialogue. Collective action can help us to eradicate the scourge of femicide and safeguard the lives of our citizens.”
This collaborative approach involves a range of tactics, from community education and awareness campaigns to enhanced surveillance and security measures that deter violent crimes against women. Recognizing that the issue transcends law enforcement alone, Lagat and other officials have underscored the role of family members, community elders, and social institutions in creating a protective framework for women, preventing them from falling victim to criminals.
Renewed Focus on Public Safety
President Ruto’s call for action highlights a broader need for vigilance and security improvements. He urged citizens to be cautious about strangers and warned against circumstances that might place women and girls in vulnerable situations. This plea resonates with many Kenyans, who are increasingly concerned for the safety of their female relatives.
“There are people in our communities who lure our girls and our women into situations that compromise their security,” Ruto said, emphasizing that everyone has a role in being vigilant and protective toward others. This message aligns with the public’s sentiments, as trust and safety in neighborhoods and communities are eroding in light of these incidents. By encouraging citizens to actively contribute to women’s safety, Ruto hopes to foster a culture where everyone plays a role in looking out for one another.
Progress and Challenges in Investigative Efforts
Lagat, together with other top security officials such as DCI Director Mohamed Amin and Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wangombe, shared insights into the ongoing investigations and the steps being taken to resolve femicide cases more effectively. Over recent months, Kenya’s investigative units have made strides in their operations, with increased resources allocated to gather information, pursue leads, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The DCI has established specific units dedicated to addressing violent crimes against women and has implemented training programs to equip officers with skills relevant to investigating and preventing femicide. However, law enforcement continues to face several hurdles, from limited resources to societal stigma surrounding gender-based violence, which often deters victims from coming forward. Despite these challenges, the collaborative efforts between the DCI, the police force, and other social stakeholders have shown promise in laying the groundwork for a more robust and effective response to femicide.
Appeal for Public Cooperation and Information
In his address, Lagat also called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement by providing information that might lead to the arrest of suspects, including Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, a wanted individual linked to a recent femicide case. This appeal for information is part of a broader strategy by Kenyan authorities to encourage citizens to play an active role in their communities, supporting investigations by reporting suspicious activities and individuals.
According to security experts, this collaboration between the public and law enforcement can be one of the most effective measures in preventing and solving crimes. Often, communities possess information that can be critical in apprehending criminals, but fear and mistrust hinder collaboration. By bridging this gap and fostering trust between citizens and police, the government hopes to create a safer environment for all.
Role of Civil and Religious Leaders
In combating femicide, community leaders, including civil and religious figures, have been urged to participate in the fight against gender-based violence. With their influence and trusted positions within communities, these leaders can play a vital role in sensitizing people about the importance of gender equality, non-violence, and the need to speak out against domestic abuse and other forms of harm against women.
Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wangombe emphasized the need for communities to reject all forms of violence against women and to view femicide as a critical issue that endangers the social fabric of Kenya. “Our communities must understand that gender-based violence does not only affect the immediate family but ripples through society, affecting future generations,” she said. Wangombe stressed that promoting respect and dignity for women is integral to fostering safe communities and that cultural norms must evolve to support gender equality.
Strengthening the Legal Framework
As Kenya grapples with a rising tide of gender-based violence, discussions around legislative reform have gained traction. Many advocates for women’s rights have called for stricter laws and harsher penalties for offenders. Additionally, there have been calls to reform the judicial system to prioritize cases of gender-based violence, ensuring swift justice for victims and their families.
President Ruto’s directive to the DCI to “stand up to these criminals” reflects a broader determination to fortify Kenya’s legal and judicial systems to better handle such cases. Law enforcement authorities have emphasized the need for comprehensive case management, allowing courts to prioritize femicide cases and expedite judicial proceedings. By tightening legal provisions and ensuring timely adjudication, Kenya can move closer to achieving justice for victims of femicide.
The Path Forward
President Ruto’s stern directive has set the stage for a national mobilization against femicide, drawing on all sectors of society to combat this pressing issue. While law enforcement agencies will spearhead the effort with more targeted operations, it is clear that a wider network of public, civil, and religious institutions must be engaged in this mission. Femicide cannot be combated by police forces alone; it requires a united front that addresses cultural, social, and legal dimensions of gender-based violence.
The government’s multi-pronged approach, from legislative reform to community collaboration, offers hope that Kenya can eventually turn the tide on femicide. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant, support one another, and work closely with authorities in a concerted effort to protect the nation’s women and girls. In the words of Deputy Inspector General Lagat, “Collective action can help us to eradicate the scourge of femicide and safeguard the lives of our citizens.”
With this renewed focus, Kenya’s leaders, law enforcement agencies, and communities are poised to make substantial progress toward eradicating femicide, creating a safer future for all its citizens.
