Kenya Police Advances Against Femicide, 78% of 2025 Cases in Court

The National Police Service (NPS) has reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the growing femicide crisis in the nation, outlining investigative accomplishments, ongoing cases, and internal improvements.
In a formal statement, the NPS recognized the concerning increase in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence incidents throughout Kenya.
“The escalating occurrences of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, including femicide, continue to present a substantial risk to the security, dignity, and welfare of women and girls nationwide. This is an issue requiring widespread national awareness and a unified response from all societal sectors,” the statement emphasized.
Initial investigation findings indicate that most femicide and SGBV cases originate from domestic conflicts, intimate partner violence, sexual crimes, assaults, and unsettled family disputes.
“These incidents highlight the critical necessity for reinforced preventive measures, heightened public awareness, and community involvement to address the fundamental causes of gender-based violence,” the statement indicated.
The NPS also verified that a specialized unit has been established at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, comprising criminal intelligence analysts, forensic specialists, homicide investigators, and other professional experts.
“The Service has implemented a comprehensive and intelligence-driven strategy focused on effectively preventing, investigating, and prosecuting offenders,” NPS stated.
Among the cases the NPS pointed out as successfully resolved is the prosecution of Joseph Irungu, alias ‘Jowie,’ for the murder of Monica Nyawira Kimani, for which he received a death sentence in 2024.
Other concluded cases include the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong in Imenti North, Meru County, where the defendant, Benson Kimathi Marangu, was sentenced to 40 years.
The killing of Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba in Karatina, Nyeri County in 2022, resulting in a 30-year sentence for Billington Mwathi, Jackline Naliaka’s killer receiving 25 years, and Douglas Bushuru Angatia, convicted of murdering Mercy Kiliswa, receiving 15 years, were among other finalized cases.
Several prominent cases remain active in the judicial system.
These cases include the murder of Deka Abdinoor Gorone, where suspect Hashim Dagane Muhumed was arrested in November 2024 following an extensive investigation, and the killing of college student Seth Nyakio Njeri at Thika’s Biafra Estate, in which suspect Ken Kimathi Gacunuku was detained after evading authorities for one year.
The NPS also highlighted the murders of Rachel Muthoni Wandeto and Grade Six pupil Mercy Nyambura Muriithi in Njoro Sub-County, the stabbing death of Anita Mugweru in Nakuru, and the murder of Davine Kwamboka in Migori County.
The National Police Service documented 125 femicide-related cases in 2025.
The Central Region reported the highest count at 31 cases, followed by Western with 30, Nairobi with 17, Rift Valley and Eastern with 16 each, Coast with 9, Nyanza with 4, and North Eastern with 2.
Of these 125 cases, 98, representing 78.4%, are currently before the courts, while the remaining 27 are still under active investigation.
“These figures demonstrate the National Police Service’s heightened concentration, dedication, and determination in delivering justice for victims, survivors, and affected communities,” the statement read.
Beyond investigations, the NPS has created the Directorate of Gender and implemented Gender Desks and Child Protection Units across police stations nationwide.
“These structures continue to play a vital role in improving survivor-centered responses, enhancing access to justice, and ensuring timely support for victims,” the statement noted.
The Service is also expanding its POLICARE Centres, comprehensive facilities providing survivors with complimentary access to police assistance, legal aid, medical care, psychosocial support, counseling, and referral services, all in one location.
The NPS urged the public to report incidents promptly and support survivors through community-based initiatives.
“No measure will be overlooked in addressing and eradicating femicide and all manifestations of gender-based violence in the country,” the statement concluded.