Prime Cabinet Secretary and acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has disclosed that 100 women were murdered in Kenya between August and November 2024.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, December 19, Mudavadi confirmed that investigations into the cases had been completed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), with most of the cases now pending in court.
“Between August and November 2024, 100 women were murdered. The DCI has finalized investigations into these cases, and the majority are pending before the court. The Inspector General of Police has established a specialized Missing Persons Unit within the DCI Homicide Unit to handle femicide cases,” Mudavadi said.
He highlighted that the surge in femicide is a pressing concern for the security sector, alongside broader issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“The country has reported 7,107 cases of sexual and gender-based violence from September 2023 to date, with Nairobi County recording the highest number, while Samburu and Mandera recorded the least,” Mudavadi noted.
To address the alarming trend, Mudavadi reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling femicide. He revealed that President William Ruto had established a Presidential Working Group on Femicide to provide actionable recommendations.
“On Tuesday, December 17, President Ruto directed the formation of a Presidential Working Group on Femicide. The team, which will be gazetted soon, is tasked with delivering actionable proposals within 90 days to ensure a structured and effective response to femicide,” Mudavadi stated.
The Prime CS also acknowledged the critical role of the newly formed unit and the working group in addressing the root causes of femicide and enhancing security for women.
The announcement comes amid increased public concern over violence against women and calls for comprehensive government action to curb the trend.
