The National Police Service (NPS) has raised alarm over increasing incidents of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including femicide, that continue to compromise the safety, dignity and welfare of women and girls nationwide.
The Service indicates that Kenya has witnessed a disturbing pattern of violence against women and girls in recent years, characterizing it as a grave infringement of basic human rights demanding unified national focus and synchronized efforts across all sectors.
The National Police Service (NPS) continues to be profoundly troubled by the escalating numbers of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) incidents, including femicide, which persist as a significant danger to the security, dignity, and welfare of women and girls throughout the nation.
In response, the NPS reports it has bolstered its operational and investigative capabilities to address femicide-related crimes. The Service has implemented improved investigation methods, operational changes and enhanced partnerships with important stakeholders to advance the prevention and prosecution of perpetrators.
A specialized unit has been created at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters. It assembles criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, homicide investigators and other professionals.
According to Director of Corporate Communication and Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the unit has already made advances in managing reported cases, with several matters before courts and others still under active investigation.
The NPS states that preliminary findings reveal the majority of SGBV and femicide cases are connected to domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offenses, assaults and unresolved family conflicts. The Service observes that these findings highlight the necessity for more robust prevention approaches, community involvement and public education.
The National Police Service reiterates its steadfast dedication to safeguarding all individuals, upholding legal principles, and guaranteeing that perpetrators of such atrocious crimes face justice impartially.
The Service mentioned it is also collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, religious leaders and development partners to reinforce victim support systems and enhance awareness programs. It emphasizes that cooperation remains essential in addressing the fundamental causes of gender-based violence.
According to the service, several cases have been finalized through prosecution. These include the murder case of Monica Nyawira Kimani, where Joseph Irungu, also known as “Jowie”, was found guilty and sentenced to death in 2024.
In another case in Imenti North, Meru County, Benson Kimathi Marangu received a 40-year prison sentence for the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong.
In Nyeri County, Billington Mwathi received a 30-year sentence for the murder of Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba in Karatina. In another case, Mathew Wabwire was sentenced to 25 years for the murder of Jackline Naliaka. Douglas Bushuru Angatia also received a 15-year sentence for the murder of Mercy Kiliswa.
The NPS states that several other cases remain active in court. These include the murder of Deka Abdinoor Gorone, where Hashim Dagane Muhumed was arrested in November 2024 following investigations. The case continues in court.
In another case, suspect Ken Kimathi Gacunuku was apprehended after a year on the run regarding the murder of student Seth Nyakio Njeri in Thika’s Biafra Estate. He currently faces murder charges.
Other ongoing cases include the killing of Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, the murder of Mercy Nyambura Muriithi, a Grade Six pupil in Njoro Sub-County, the stabbing of Anita Mugweru in Nakuru where Edwin Kaunga Muthomi was arrested and charged, and the murder of Davine Kwamboka in Migori County, where suspects have been arrested and charged.
According to NPS data, femicide-related cases are distributed across the nation. Central Region reports 31 cases, Western 30, Nairobi 17, Rift Valley 16, Eastern 16, Coast 9, Nyanza 4 and North Eastern 2. Altogether, 125 cases have been documented. Of these, 98 cases, constituting 78.4 percent, are before courts while 27 cases, representing 21.6 percent, remain under investigation.
The Service reports it has enhanced its institutional response through the Directorate of Gender and the expansion of Gender Desks and Child Protection Units throughout police stations. These structures are designed to improve victim-centered responses and guarantee confidentiality and dignity for survivors.
Training programs for officers have also been improved, concentrating on addressing SGBV cases, trauma-informed investigations and victim assistance. The NPS is additionally expanding POLICARE Centres, which offer comprehensive services including police support, medical care, counseling, legal aid and psychosocial help.
The Service mentions it continues to collaborate with the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, criminal justice agencies, civil society and development partners in executing recommendations from the Presidential Working Group on Femicide.
The Service further requests ongoing public support and urges anyone with information about femicide cases, Gender-Based Violence, or other criminal activities to promptly report to the nearest police station
As an institution, our dedication to public protection, safety, and legal compliance remains firm and uncompromising.