NAIROBI, Kenya – Hundreds of women marched through Nairobi’s streets on Monday, demanding that the government urgently investigate the rising cases of gender‑based violence and femicide. They carried signs urging “Stop Killing Women” and highlighted the disappearance and murders of children reported locally in recent weeks. A police escort accompanied the demonstrators, who also carried a coffin.
Women’s rights groups have warned of the escalating number of gender‑based violence incidents and called for a national crisis declaration.
Recently, a local singer was doused with petrol and set on fire, eventually succumbing to her injuries.
On May 23, police announced the formation of a specialized investigative unit, composed of criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, homicide investigators and other specialists.
Police say most gender‑based violence cases involve domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, assault and unresolved family conflicts.
According to the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya, the organization receives about 70 gender‑based violence cases each week across its three offices in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
Lobby groups issued a 40‑day ultimatum on May 21 for the government to act or face nationwide protests. However, they have begun action sooner.
