NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 30 — The government has vowed to sustain efforts to strengthen prevention mechanisms to curb Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including femicide cases in the country.
Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims while collaboratively addressing cultural and societal biases that perpetuate femicide and related forms of violence.
“It is an inherent right to live, and everyone, irrespective of their gender, should [be] allowed to enjoy it,” the PS said while addressing a joint news conference on Wednesday with DCI chief Mohamed Amin.
Wang’ombe further appealed to Kenyans to be conscious of their surroundings and report crimes to law enforcement officers.
Wang’ombe acknowledged the effects of femicide and GBV on victims’ families, noting the devastating impact resulting from the loss of a loved one.
Femicide, defined as the intentional killing of women and girls, has emerged as a key national concern recently following a significant increase in reported cases.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, speaking at the press event, said the National Police Service had documented twenty-seven cases of femicide in three months.
“The National Police Service [is] dedicated to addressing and investigating all serious crimes. We recognize the importance of swiftly resolving these cases to ensure justice for victims and their families,” Lagat stated.
DCI Investigations
In one recent femicide case, Rita Waeni, a JKUAT student, was killed at a short-stay in Nairobi’s Roysambu area in January.
DCI subsequently released CCTV images in April identifying two male suspects as persons of interest in the matter.
Notable concluded cases include Monica Kimani’s, in which the High Court sentenced Jowie Irungu, the prime suspect in the murder, to death following his conviction.
Kimani’s case that shocked the country following the discovery of her decapitated body at an apartment in Nairobi’s Kilimani on September 19, 2018.
Lagat highlighted successful convictions as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to tackling femicide.
“These cases highlight the DCI’s unwavering commitment to bringing justice to victims and communities impacted by violent crime,” he said.
He noted that investigations had resulted in the arrest of suspects in about 90 percent of femicide cases.
“Through targeted strategies and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, we seek to establish a safer environment for women and ensure comprehensive investigation and prosecution of all femicide cases,” he said.
The DIG appealed for public support to secure gains made in the fight against femicide and related gender crimes.
“We urge every member of society, including governmental, civil, and religious leaders, to engage in this crucial dialogue,” Lagat urged.
He assured the public that security agencies are committed to tracking and apprehending Jumaisi Khalusha, a suspected serial killer linked to dumped bodies of female victims at a quarry on the outskirts of Nairobi, who escaped from police custody in August.
By Mitchelle Tabitha
