In a strong show of commitment, authorities have swiftly moved in to provide comprehensive, all-round support to survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
From immediate medical care and psychological counselling to legal assistance and safe shelter, survivors who have endured the scariest battles are now receiving holistic care designed to restore their dignity and aid their healing journey.
Among the most chilling and heinous femicides recorded by the National Police Service, (NPS) in Kenya in recent years was that of a business woman Susan Nabwire.
On the evening of August 19, 2025, she returned home from work, unaware she had only hours left to live. What should have been a peaceful family night descended into unimaginable horror at the hands of her husband, Cyprian Mukoya.
Unsuspecting of his sinister intentions, Nabwire began preparing dinner. Mukoya suddenly poured the food onto the floor, then coerced her into revealing her mobile phone passwords and M-Pesa PIN, demanding Sh 2,000.
Accusing her of infidelity, an allegation she firmly denied. He unleashed a prolonged and heated argument. He then locked the doors, hid the keys, and retrieved an axe he had secretly concealed in the bathroom.
At approximately 3:00 a.m., Mukoya launched a savage assault. He struck her repeatedly on the neck and stabbed her in the eye, taunting her that he would kill her while she watched.
He then strangled her with a rope until she collapsed and died in front of the terrified house help.
In a final act of depravity, he tied a rope around her neck, hid her body under the bed, then turned his attention to the nanny.
After subjecting her to sexual assault and issuing death threats, he locked her inside the house with the corpse of her employer.
He fled the scene, leaving the traumatized nanny and the couple’s one-year-old child who had been sleeping on a the bed trapped inside.
The rising crisis have seen the National Police service to respond to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by expressing deep concern over the alarming surge in SGBV, including femicide, which continues to undermine the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of women and girls across the country.
In response, the Service has intensified proactive investigations, implemented operational reforms, and strengthened collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Recognizing the complex drivers of these crimes, the NPS has adopted an intelligence-led, multi-faceted strategy centered on prevention, thorough investigation, and swift prosecution.
A specialized investigative team at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters; comprising criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, and homicide detectives has made notable progress.
Numerous cases are now before the courts, with several others under active investigation.
Preliminary findings indicate that most SGBV and femicide incidents stem from domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, and unresolved family conflicts.
These insights underscore the urgent need for robust prevention measures, sustained public awareness campaigns, and deeper community engagement to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence.
Committed to justice, the NPS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting all citizens and holding perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable without fear or favor.
The authorities have urged public is urged to play an active role by promptly reporting incidents, sharing credible information, and supporting survivors through community initiatives.
Collective vigilance remains essential in the fight against gender-based violence. The recent conviction of Joseph Irungu, alias “Jowie,” was sentenced to death in 2024 for the murder of Monica Nyawira Kimani.
Benson Kimathi Marangu received a 40-year sentence for the 2018 murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong in Meru County.
Billington Mwathi was sentenced to 30 years for the 2022 murder of Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba in Nyeri County.
Additional, police states that convictions include 25-year and 15-year sentences in separate cases.
Ongoing cases include the November 2024 arrest of Hashim Dagane Muhumed for the murder of Deka Abdinoor Gorone, and the capture of college student Ken Kimathi Gacunuku following a year-long manhunt for the murder of Seth Nyakio Njeri in Thika.
Suspects have also been arraigned in the murders of Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, Grade Six pupil Mercy Nyambura Muriithi, Anita Mugweru in Nakuru, and Davine Kwamboka in Migori County.
The femicide statistic recorded as of last year atanda at 125 incidences nationwide, distributed with central recording (31), Western (30), Nairobi (17), Rift Valley (16), Eastern (16), Coast (9), Nyanza (4), and North Eastern (2).
Of these, 98 cases (78.4%) are currently before the courts, while 27 cases (21.6%) remain under active investigation.
To deliver more survivor-center responses, the NPS has established the Directorate of Gender and operationalized Gender Desks and Child Protection Units nationwide.
It is also expanding POLICARE Centers, one-stop facilities providing free medical care, counselling, legal aid, and police assistance under one roof.
Officers continue to receive specialized training in trauma-informed investigations and victim support.
The Service is diligently implementing recommendations from the Presidential Working Group on Femicide in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Kenyans are called upon to reject all forms of violence, remain vigilant, and support law enforcement by reporting incidents promptly at the nearest police station, via toll-free lines 999 or 911, #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203.
