A woman is killed every 24 hours: Kenya’s femicide nightmare
The bodies were found in three different locations. A mother, her daughter, and her niece – all killed in a similarly brutal manner, their remains scattered across the Nairobi Metropolitan area like pieces of a horrifying puzzle that has become all too familiar in Kenya.
Waris Daud, her 21-year-old daughter Amina Abdirashid, and 12-year-old niece Nuseiba Dahir had been reported missing before their mutilated bodies were discovered – one in Parklands, another in Bahati, and Waris’s remains in a bush in Machakos. Their deaths added three more names to a growing list of women and girls whose lives have been brutally cut short in what experts are now calling Kenya’s femicide crisis.
The numbers are staggering. According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat, law enforcement has recorded 97 femicide cases in just the past three months. That’s roughly one woman killed every day.
At the Nairobi Women Hospital’s gender violence recovery centres, the situation is equally grim, with approximately 4,000 gender-based violence (GBV) cases reported monthly.
“It is a crisis, and something definitely needs to be done,” says Dr Sam Thenya, CEO of Nairobi Women Hospital. “The economic burden of gender-based violence is enormous on our economy. We must speak against this vice being perpetuated against women and girls. They are our daughters, wives, sisters, and mothers.”
In response to the escalating crisis, the government is taking unprecedented action. Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe has announced plans for a national campaign modelled after the successful HIV/Aids awareness campaigns of the 1990s and early 2000s.
“Support systems for victims is paramount,” Anne tells Nation.Africa.
“We recognise the urgent need to establish and improve support systems, including shelters, counselling services, and legal assistance for victims of violence. We also need to improve our data collection on femicide and gender-based violence to inform policy decisions and track progress effectively.”
The initiative emerged from a crucial meeting that brought together government agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, development partners, law enforcement, and community leaders. The discussions focused on addressing root causes, including societal norms, economic disparities, and inadequate legal protections.
President William Ruto has also waded into the crisis, attributing the rise in femicide cases to a combination of moral decay and criminal activity. Speaking, two weeks ago, at the African Divine Church in Nairobi, he expressed deep concern about the growing number of Kenyan women who, expecting love and respect from their partners, have become victims of brutal violence and murder.
“I want to assure you that we will go out of our way to equip our police to deal with this challenge,” President Ruto promised, committing to strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
The crisis has sparked outcry from various sectors of society. Leah Sankaire, Kewopa Chairperson and Kajiado Woman Representative, expresses frustration at the pace of response: “The government, parliament, and all other relevant stakeholders do little to contain this menace. We need to see action and perpetrators being brought to book. Femicide has reached a national crisis, and as we know, justice delayed is justice denied.”
Action Aid’s Susan Otieno advocates for practical solutions, suggesting the creation of a public register of femicide perpetrators. Meanwhile, boy child advocate Faith Nashipae emphasises the importance of including men and boys in prevention efforts.
“We need to look at men as femicide prevention allies,” Nashipae explains. “It’s paramount that we examine what we’re instilling in our boys and empower them. There is also the need to take GBV education to schools and have the church get involved in fighting gender-based violence.”
Even boda boda operators are joining the fight. James Kariuki, who operates in Juja, speaks passionately about the issue: “As a father of girls and a brother to several sisters, I feel very worried about the ongoing trend of femicide. We must do all that it takes to slay this dragon. It is important that we have a society that is safe for all, including girls and women.”
The upcoming campaign will coincide with the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, incorporating certified counsellors to support survivors and affected families. Law enforcement is also stepping up its response, with DIG Lagat confirming that many cases are under active investigation and some perpetrators have already been charged in court.
“I want to assure Kenyans that all perpetrators of femicide will face the full force of the law,” says Lagat.
“I also urge Kenyans to share information with the police that may lead to apprehending the culprits of these heinous acts. The police cannot deal with matters alone but in partnership with other Kenyans.”
UN Women has called on the government to invest in proven strategies to prevent violence against women and address the impunity often associated with these cases. As the nation grapples with this crisis, the message is clear: protecting Kenya’s women and girls requires not just government action, but a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and behaviours.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.