Image: DCI/FILE
Detectives have profiled at least 20 new femicide cases that they are now pursuing.
The cases include the murder of university student Rita Waeni whose decapitated body was found in a dustbin in Roysambu, Nairobi.
DCI director Mohamed Amin has formed a special squad focusing on femicide.
The team of specially trained investigators from the DCI’s Homicide Directorate has firm instructions to expedite investigations into serious sexual offenses and murders of women to end the alarming trend.
The team, comprising criminal intelligence analysts and forensic experts, will partner with stakeholders to come up with swift and comprehensive preventive strategies to address the spate of murders.
Amin pledged to avail all resources at his disposal for the team to deliver on its mandate.
“These killings have cast a dark shadow over our safety and security endeavours, we must put this menace to end with speed and finality,” he said.
Between 2021 and 2024, 94 cases of women and girls killings were reported to the DCI, and 65 suspects arrested and charged across the country in connection with the murders.
The team has been instructed to complete the pending investigations and ensure those culpable are brought to book.
Amin also appealed to members the public to volunteer information to aid in investigations or assist in arrest of the perpetrators. The toll-free DCI hotline is 0800 722 203.
He said there is a nexus between femicide and sexual violence.
“We know the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, let us expose them. Let us all join hands to defeat this evil.”
On Tuesday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo met with his gender and affirmative action colleague Anne Wangombe and his higher education colleague Betty Muganda to discuss how to address the crisis
“We met to discuss the concerns about femicide and lawful ways of protecting women against possible predators,” he said.
Several other parties have joined in the campaign.
US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman said she stands with courageous men and women speaking out to end femicide.
Lobby groups have staged protests countrywide to condemn the murders.
There has been a perceived increase in killing of women.
This year alone, more than 20 women have been killed.
They include Serah Musyoki, 20, whose body was found sprawled in her house long after the killing on January 28.
In Kiugoine, Nakuru, a man killed his wife before taking his own life.
The body of Peter Mahiu, 56, was found hanging from an avocado tree within Heroes area on January 28.
A search of his house led to the discovery of his wife Tabitha Wangare, 46, in the living room with multiple head injuries.
Police said the injuries were suspected to have been inflicted by her husband.
A blood-stained hammer and knife were found on the table and have been kept as exhibits.
On January 26, a 27-year-old woman identified as Lonah Chepkemoi was killed at her parents’ home in Kipsolu, Kericho county, over a marital dispute.
On January 30, the body of a woman was discovered dumped by the roadside near Moi South Lake in Naivasha.
The body had fresh wounds on the hands, neck, and head that appeared to have been caused by a sharp object.
Neighbours said the woman could have been murdered elsewhere and her body dumped near the busy road.
Other victims this year so far:
- Starlet Wahu Mwangi, 26, murdered in South B, Nairobi on January 3.
- Maureen Achieng', 24, found dead in Bondo on January 3.
- Harriet Moraa, 20, found dead in a house in Machakos town on January 8.
- Nelvine Museti, 28, found dead in an apartment in Langata on January 11.
- Stella Adongo, 21, found dead in a house in Bondo on January 11.
- Rita Waeni Muendo, 22, murdered in Roysambu on January 14.
- Malkia Husunan, 25, found murdered in a house in Magarini on January 14.
- Asumpta Wanjiru Murunga, 30, found dead in Nyandarua on January 16.
- The unidentified body of a woman was found dumped on the roadside in Juja, Kiambu county, on January 17.
- Sarah Wairuri, 47, found dead in Nyeri on January 18.
- Rachael Wambui Njoroge, 55, killed in Gatundu, Kiambu county on January 21.
- Grace Wangari, 24, found dead in a house in Githurai, Nairobi on January 21.
- Bridget Ochieng, 34, found dead in Nyakach, Kisumu on January 22.
- Cynthia Shivuka, 33, found dead in a house in Kawangware, Nairobi, on January 24.
- Sarah Nkoroi, 45, found murdered in Kilae, Narok on January 25.
