NAIROBI, Kenya – In response to a troubling rise in gender-based violence, the National Police Service (NPS) has launched a specialised unit to fast-track investigations into femicide and other crimes against women.
Police Spokesperson Michael Nyaga Muchiri announced that the unit, housed within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), will bring together forensic experts, criminal intelligence analysts, and specialized investigators to strengthen the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The move comes as Kenya faces a sharp increase in cases of violence against women. Since September 2023, 7,107 incidents of SGBV have been reported.
Additionally, government data shows that between August and November last year, at least 100 women were murdered in femicide-related attacks.
The police say recent cases demonstrate their renewed commitment to tackling gender-based crimes.
In Meru County, the brutal murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong in 2018 led to the conviction of Benson Kimathi Marangu, who is now serving a 40-year sentence.
Similarly, in Nairobi, Joseph Irungu alias Jowie received a life sentence for the killing of Monica Nyawira Kimani in 2018.
More recently, on November 5, 2024, detectives arrested Hashim Dagane Muhumed over the murders of a mother, her daughter, and her 12-year-old niece.
A few days later, on November 8, police captured George Mwenda Mutegi, the prime suspect in the killing of Lilian Achieng Aluko. Both cases are currently before the courts.
Beyond investigations, the NPS has expanded survivor support services.
The newly established Directorate of Gender is overseeing the rollout of gender desks and child protection units in police stations across the country.
The ‘Policare’ initiative, a one-stop centre providing free legal aid, psychosocial support, medical care, and police assistance, is also being scaled up.
Police are working closely with the State Department for Gender and the Presidential Working Group on Femicide to enhance prevention strategies and public awareness.
Muchiri urged Kenyans to report gender-based violence through the police service’s toll-free numbers, emphasizing the role of public cooperation in ensuring justice.
“We extend our gratitude to the public for their courage in coming forward and sharing essential information,” he said.
Nairobi County has recorded the highest number of reported SGBV cases, while Samburu and Mandera counties have the lowest.
PRESS RELEASE : UPDATE ON THE PROACTIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT FEMICIDE
