Rising cases of femicide in Kenya have sparked a national outcry, with activists and rights organizations calling for urgent government intervention. According to recent data, more than 100 women were brutally murdered in 2024 alone, exposing a chilling trend of gender-based violence that has shattered families and left survivors living in fear.
The Voice for Women and Girls’ Rights, in partnership with Usikimye, the Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders-Kenya and the #ENDFEMICIDEKE movement, strongly condemned the rise in violence. “We unequivocally condemn these acts of femicide and urge all duty bearers to put an end to these gross violations,” they said in a joint statement on 25 November.
The gravity of the crisis was underlined by the harrowing testimony of one survivor. She recounted a near-fatal attack by her partner: “He stabbed me in the face, heart, kidney and liver. I almost died and spent months recovering,” she said. Despite her survival, her ordeal is far from over as her attacker remains free. “I feel he has more rights than me. He’s walking free while I’m forced to live in hiding,” she added, her voice filled with frustration and despair.
Kenya’s 2010 Constitution enshrines the right to life in Article 26(1) and guarantees equality before the law in Article 27(1). However, human rights organisations argue that these constitutional protections are repeatedly violated. “These heinous acts have deprived women and girls of their rights as citizens and forced them to live in constant fear in both private and public spaces,” the statement emphasised.
Although senior government officials, including President William Ruto, have publicly acknowledged the crisis, activists are dissatisfied with the lack of concrete action. “Government action to address gender-based violence must match public statements,” the coalition demanded. They called for concrete measures to combat violence, including increased funding and robust implementation of existing gender-based violence (GBV) laws.
The coalition’s demands include allocating resources to support shelters, legal aid and psycho-social care for survivors. They also urged the government to invest in awareness campaigns to challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate violence against women. “Grassroots organisations working directly with survivors need financial support to provide essential services and advocate for systemic change,” they said.
The survivor’s testimony further highlighted the systemic failures of the Kenyan justice system. She described the trauma of facing her attacker in court, only to have the case repeatedly adjourned. “The justice system failed me. He was released twice – once after he threatened me and again after he tried to kill me,” she said. Her story is emblematic of the challenges faced by many survivors seeking justice.
As the femicide crisis deepens, activists are calling on the government, civil society and the public to take decisive action. “Enough is enough. We must unite to protect the lives and rights of women and girls in Kenya,” the coalition demanded.
