NAIROBI, Kenya — Renowned women’s rights activist Njeri wa Migwi has reportedly become the target of a coordinated online attack aimed at undermining her advocacy against gender-based violence (GBV), sexual assault, and femicide in Kenya.
According to accounts from her supporters, an unknown individual or group hacked Migwi’s Instagram account, deleting over 900 posts from her platform, Usikimye, which had amassed more than 100,000 followers.
The erased content included survivor stories, campaigns against GBV, documentation of sexual violence cases, and records of efforts to make femicide a distinct criminal offence.
The attack comes amid a surge in public attention to Migwi’s work, which has reportedly assisted over 1,200 survivors in 2025 alone, providing legal guidance and advocacy for victims of sexual abuse.
Supporters allege that the cyberattack is motivated by personal vendettas and may be linked to individuals and entities exposed by Migwi’s advocacy, including perpetrators of sexual crimes.
“Migwi has faced sustained efforts to discredit her, including alleged extortion attempts seeking Sh1.3 million,” said Boniface Mwangi supporting her cause. “Her refusal to comply with such blackmail is in line with standard legal practice. Her work saves lives, and attempts to destroy it will ultimately fail.”
Migwi’s activism gained national attention after exposing government-linked abuses during protests in June 2025, in which 14 women were reportedly gang-raped. She also publicly opposed controversial presidential pardons, including that of Ezekiel Chelimo, convicted of defiling a four-year-old child.
A survivor of the alleged grooming accusations central to the recent controversy told reporters that the incident never occurred. Advocates assert that these allegations are intended to tarnish Migwi’s reputation and distract from her fight against sexual violence.
Njeri wa Migwi’s personal experiences inform her activism. Married at 16, she endured 15 years of abuse before leaving her first husband. Her second marriage also ended amid conflicts surrounding her commitment to victims through Usikimye.
“Her life is dedicated to fighting GBV, supporting survivors, and ensuring perpetrators face justice,” said a colleague. “The recent cyberattack and false allegations cannot diminish the impact of her work.”
Statistics highlight the urgency of Migwi’s mission: the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey indicates that over 40% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence. In Nairobi alone, there were 5,589 reported rape cases in the year leading up to May 2025—an average of 15 women per day.
Supporters have called on Kenyans to defend Migwi’s reputation, amplify her advocacy, and contribute to her initiatives. Usikimye continues to operate, providing critical assistance to survivors while challenging systemic barriers to justice.
“This too shall pass,” said Boniface Mwangi. “Njeri wa Migwi is not alone, and her work remains vital to protecting women and children across Kenya.”
