The National Police Service (NPS) has provided an update on the investigations into the murder cases in the country.
Speaking on October 30 at NPS Headquarters, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat reiterated that NPS recognizes the importance of swiftly resolving murder cases against women, to ensure justice for victims and their families.
DIG Lagat indicated that murders against women have increased, with 97 cases having been reported in the last three months.
Lagat said investigations continue and several suspects have been arrested and arraigned in court.
The DIG emphasized that the figures underscore the importance of a joint effort by all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to femicide cases.
“In the last three months alone, the country has reported 97 cases of femicide. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need for focused action and collaboration to tackle the widespread problem of gender-based violence in society,” Langat said.
Likewise, PS State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang’ombe expressed the Government’s commitment to strengthening prevention mechanisms against these murder cases.
Wang’ombe acknowledged that changing societal realities are also contributing to these worrying numbers.”People are watching movies where killing is not such a big deal; people are also dealing with economic issues, global recession,” PS Wang’ombe stated.
FIDA Asks Ruto to Declare Femicide National Crisis & Direct Police to Take Action
This comes after the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) condemned the increasing number of femicide cases and asked President William Ruto to direct the NPS to issue a comprehensive communique on the status of the investigations within the next 14 days.
In a statement on October 29, FIDA said the government can no longer afford to treat femicide as an isolated series of incidents.
FIDA said femicide cases is a national emergency that requires urgent, coordinated responses from the highest offices in Kenya.
The Federation asked Ruto to address the nation and speak to women and girls, providing a clear and unwavering commitment to their right to life, safety and security.
“The President should officially declare femicide a national crisis and a disaster, assuring the public that this administration is actively working to protect women and girls across the nation,” FIDA demanded.
Additionally, the Federation said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) must provide a detailed public update on the status of investigations and prosecutions of all suspects tied to these femicide cases.
FIDA said the details should include a full explanation regarding the whereabouts of Collins Jumaisi, the main suspect in the Kware dumpsite murders, who went missing after escaping police custody.
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Femicide Court Cases
Further, the Federation called for expedited prosecution of the cases in the courts of law devoid of any delay tactics.
“This is a crucial and necessary step in bringing healing to the families who are extremely traumatized by the loss of their loved ones,” FIDA said.
The Federation explained that it will not allow femicide to become a normalized part of society.
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Govt Should Partner with Civil Society
FIDA urged the government to partner with civil society and take immediate action to protect women and girls and to guarantee that no woman in Kenya will live in fear simply because she is female.
Additionally, FIDA threatened to consider other options, including mobilizing a nationwide picketing of women to demand their right to safety and justice if their demands are not met within 30 days.
“Our mothers, daughters, and sisters. deserve safety, dignity, and peace. We are resolute in our commitment to fight for a society where every woman and girl can live free from the threat of violence,” FIDA said.
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