A country’s silent war on women: Deepening crisis

Kenya  has  in  recent  months  become a chilling stage for a series of brutal  killings,  primarily  targeting women and young girls.

The gruesome nature of these crimes  has  sparked  a  nationwide outcry, with many calling on President  William  Ruto  to  declare  the situation a national disaster.

The  shocking  cases,  marked  by extreme violence and disturbing frequency, have shone a spotlight on the urgent need for action against  femicide—a  term  that  denotes the killing of women specifically because of their gender.

The most harrowing incident occurred on October 31, when police discovered a severely mutilated female body near Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi.

The remains, primarily consisting of bones, were found abandoned, appearing to have been boiled, with flesh methodically removed.

This gruesome discovery was a grim reminder of the escalating violence against women in the country.

Just days later, on November 1, the case of journalist Lilian Achieng’ Aluko emerged, who was fatally stabbed by her boyfriend during a domestic dispute in Kahawa West.

Such incidents are not isolated; rather, they reflect a growing pattern of brutality that has left communities in fear.

Political leaders  have  begun  to rally in response, emphasising that the government’s inaction is unacceptable.

Members of Parliament, including John Kaguchia and Wanjiku Muhia, have openly called for the 
declaration of femicide as a national disaster.

“We are even late,” Kaguchia said.

“This issue should be declared a national disaster so that the government’s attention and resources are focused on these deaths.”

Their collective voice is a reflection of a society that is increasingly frustrated with the lack of effective measures to combat this epidemic.

The alarming statistics paint a grim picture: in the past  three  months alone, police records indicate that 97 women and girls have been murdered.

Deputy Inspector General of Police  Eliud  Lagat  confirmed  that  while  many  cases  have  led  to  arrests, the increasing number of killings  signifies  a  deeper  societal issue.

He called for collective action from all members of society, urging governmental, civil and religious leaders to engage in dialogue to combat this scourge.

At  the  forefront  of  the  dialogue  is  Nairobi  Woman  Representative Esther Passaris, who has voiced the need  for  stiffer  penalties  for  perpetrators,  including  denying  them  bail.

“It  is  not  a  woman  issue;  this  is  a national concern,” she stated emphatically,  highlighting  that  many  known offenders continue to roam free due to the loopholes in the judicial system.

Echoing these sentiments, Nakuru  Governor  Susan  Kihika  implored  the  President  to  take  decisive  action,  stating,  “I  wish  it  be  declared a national disaster; we have never seen this, and even the manner some are being executed is disheartening.”

Her words resonate with the growing frustration of citizens who are demanding accountability  and 
justice for the lives lost.

President Ruto has responded to the growing calls for action, promising  a  serious  crackdown  on  the perpetrators  while  urging  parents  and guardians to take responsibility for the moral upbringing of their children.

He posed a poignant question: “How  can  it  be  that  our  girls,  the  Kenyan  women  who  expect  us  to love  them,  are  dying  in  the  hands  of men?”

His commitment to addressing both the  criminal  and  moral  elements of this issue is an important
step,  but  it  must  be  followed  by  concrete actions to ensure the safety of women. ­The  statistics  revealing  the  nature of these crimes are alarming. 

According to the Africa Data Hub, intimate partners and family members are behind  the  majority 
of these killings.

In 75 per cent of cases, the perpetrator was someone known to the victim, often a spouse or boyfriend.

­This intimate nature of violence adds another layer of complexity to the issue,  as  it  highlights  the  dire need  for  societal  change  in  how relationships between men and women are viewed.

The methods of murder are equally disturbing. Stabbing and hacking  are  prevalent  in  cases  in-
volving intimate partners, while strangulation often follows incidents of sexual violence.

The brutal reality is that in many cases,  the  aggression  stems  from  domestic  disputes  or  attempts  by women  to  leave  abusive  relationships.

­These patterns reflect deeply entrenched patriarchal  attitudes  that trivialise  violence  against  women,  allowing  many  cases  to  go  unreported or unresolved.

Despite the grim reality, there are glimmers of hope. ­

The Coalition for Grassroots  Human  Rights  Defenders Kenya has raised the alarm over the government’s perceived lack of urgency in addressing femicide, calling  for  a  reevaluation  of  existing laws to better protect women.

­The organisation is among many advocating  a  culture  of  accountability  that  holds  perpetrators  responsible  for  their  actions  while  ensuring justice for victims.

On  January  27,  a  historic  turning  point  occurred  as  thousands  of  women,  alongside  male  allies, marched  against  gender-based  violence in Kenya.

­This remarkable display of solidarity marked a significant moment for Kenyan civil society,
driven by  the  relentless  efforts  of  activists and organisations dedicated to this cause.
However, the road ahead is fraught  with  challenges. 

Building a culture of accountability requires a concerted effort from all levels of society.

It necessitates collaboration between government, law enforcement, civil society organisations, 
and community leaders to effectively combat femicide. 

A key aspect  of  this  effort  is  the  establishment  of  robust  legal  frameworks that not only punish off  enders but also prevent future violence.