By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
On January 27 this year, a multitude of Kenyan women marched through the streets, uniting in a call to halt femicide. These demonstrations, reaching various cities nationwide, marked the most extensive protests against gender-based violence in the country’s history. In the aftermath, women have persistently gathered online, expressing their frustration through hashtags such as #StopKillingUs, #EndFemicideKe, and #TotalShutDownKE.
In recent years, Kenya has been grappling with a disturbing trend that threatens the fabric of its society with the escalating rates of femicide. Femicide, defined as the killing of women or girls because of their gender, has been on the rise, sparking outrage and concern among citizens and human rights advocates alike. As the numbers climb, it becomes imperative to shed light on this pressing issue, understand its root causes, and explore potential solutions to curb this alarming trend.
Two killings too many
The month of January 2024 witnessed the killings of two Kenyan women which brought attention to the disturbing frequency of gender-based violence in the East African nation, prompting activists to urge the government to implement stronger measures to safeguard women.
Rita Waeni, a 20-year-old student, was tragically murdered and dismembered in a short-term rental apartment in Nairobi on January 14. Shortly before her death, Starlet Wahu, a 26-year-old popular Instagram personality, was discovered deceased in an Airbnb room, having succumbed to a fatal stab wound inflicted by an individual she met online.
READ ALSO: Reopening Of Niger’s Border With Nigeria: X-raying The Economic Implications
These incidents represent just two of at least four reported cases of gender-based homicides in Kenya since the beginning of the year, reflecting a troubling trend of escalating violence and mistreatment against women, according to human rights organizations.
In response to mounting outrage on social media, women have continued to demand increased action and accountability from authorities.
Looking at the statistics
The statistics surrounding femicide in Kenya are sobering. According to a report released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the country witnessed a staggering 42% increase in femicide cases in the past five years alone. These figures underscore a troubling reality: women and girls in Kenya are increasingly vulnerable to violence and targeted attacks simply because of their gender.
Behind each statistic lies a heartbreaking story of pain, loss and tragedy. From domestic disputes turned deadly to targeted killings fueled by misogyny, femicide takes various forms and leaves devastating scars on families and communities across the nation. In many cases, the perpetrators of these heinous crimes escape accountability, perpetuating a cycle of impunity that further endangers women’s lives.
Also, in Kenya, the data collected by Africa Data Hub suggest that over the past eight years, 75 percent of female homicide victims were killed by intimate partners or family members, most often husbands or boyfriends. Approximately 80 percent of these killings took place within the confines of a home.
In the year 2022, approximately 48,000 women and girls across the globe fell victim to intimate partners or family members. Africa reported the highest number of such killings, with the highest rate adjusted for total population size, though the issue is prevalent in all regions. In the United States, statistics reveal that the percentage of women murdered by an intimate partner is five times greater than that of men. This alarming trend mirrors narratives surrounding sexual violence, where deep-rooted cultural norms often shift blame from the perpetrator to the victim. Victims are unfairly portrayed as somehow responsible for their own endangerment or for inciting the anger of their relatives or partners.
What is the root cause and contributing factors
To effectively address the issue of femicide, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes and contributing factors driving this epidemic. Gender-based violence, entrenched patriarchal attitudes, and socioeconomic inequalities all play significant roles in perpetuating violence against women and girls in Kenya.
At the heart of the problem lies deep-rooted gender inequality, which manifests itself in various forms within Kenyan society. Discriminatory cultural norms and practices often relegate women to subordinate roles, limiting their access to education, economic opportunities, and decision-making power. Such systemic inequalities create an environment where violence against women is tolerated and normalized, making it easier for perpetrators to act with impunity.
Moreover, the lack of effective legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms further exacerbates the problem. Despite existing laws aimed at protecting women’s rights and combating gender-based violence, enforcement remains lax, and justice often eludes victims and their families. This culture of impunity emboldens perpetrators and sends a dangerous message that violence against women carries minimal consequences.
Increasing Awareness on the scourge
Inyika Odero, an activist and model who helped organise a virtual protest and discussion after authorities refused her a protest permit said “We as Kenyan women are not being listened to,”
Addressing the issue of femicide requires a multifaceted approach that tackles its root causes while promoting education, awareness, and gender equality.
Human rights groups in Kenya have insisted that raising public awareness and promoting dialogue about femicide are essential steps in mobilizing communities to take action against this pervasive issue. Public campaigns, community outreach programs, and media initiatives can help shift societal attitudes, challenge harmful stereotypes, and promote a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.
Strengthening Legal Protections and Accountability
According to Shyleen Bonareri Momanyi, director of Nairobi-based Young Women’s Leadership Institute (YWLI), the justice system remains sluggish and ineffective in prosecuting the perpetrators and corruption continues to cause gaps in the implementation of these ambitious laws.
“We have seen no government-sponsored national campaigns addressing gender-based violence or its consequences,” she said
Like other African countries, effective legal frameworks and robust enforcement mechanisms are critical in holding perpetrators of femicide accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served for victims and their families. Kenya must prioritize the implementation and enforcement of existing laws aimed at preventing gender-based violence, protecting survivors, and prosecuting perpetrators.
This includes strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies, improving access to justice for survivors, and enhancing support services for victims of femicide and their families. Additionally, efforts to reform and streamline the judicial system can help expedite the adjudication of femicide cases and ensure timely and fair justice for all.
Call to action
The increasing rates of femicide in Kenya represents a grave violation of women’s rights and a significant threat to the country’s social fabric and development. Addressing this complex issue requires a concerted effort from government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and individuals alike.
By addressing the root causes of femicide, promoting gender equality, and strengthening legal protections and accountability mechanisms, Kenya can work towards creating a society where women and girls are safe, empowered, and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
As a continent, we must stand united in condemning all forms of violence against women and girls and work towards building a future where femicide is eradicated once and for all. The time to act is now, for the lives and futures of countless women and girls depend on our collective resolve to bring about lasting change.
