Latest Developments

A 25-year-old woman, Faith Cherono, is in police custody in Bomet County after allegedly fatally stabbing her 33-year-old boyfriend, Emmanuel Kiprono, during an argument over a mobile phone. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Samoget village, Bomet East Sub-County. Cherono reportedly visited Kiprono's home to demand the return of a mobile phone she claimed was hers. Despite an initial agreement to resolve the dispute later, the confrontation escalated, leading to Kiprono being struck with a sword on the back of his head.

Bomet East Sub-County Police Commander Michael Singa confirmed that Kiprono's body was found with deep cuts and intense bleeding. Cherono fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities at Tendwet Police Station in Narok County. The deceased's remains have been moved to Tenwek Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

Historical and Political Context

This tragic incident adds to a concerning rise in domestic violence cases across Kenya. Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant challenge, with statistics indicating a high prevalence. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2023 data revealed that 43% of women and 35% of men believe a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances. This belief is more prevalent in rural areas, with 51% of rural women and 40% of rural men condoning wife-beating, compared to 30% of urban women and 26% of urban men.

Femicide, the intentional killing of women because of their gender, has also been a growing crisis in Kenya. Between 2019 and 2024, approximately 500 cases of femicide were reported, with 371 of these perpetrated by husbands or boyfriends. In 2024 alone, there were about 173 documented cases of femicide as of September, averaging two new cases every three days.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Kenya has a robust legal framework aimed at combating gender-based violence. The Constitution of Kenya (2010) enshrines the right to life, liberty, and security, prohibiting torture and cruel treatment. Key legislation includes the Sexual Offences Act (2006), the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015), and the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011).

The Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015) is particularly significant as it specifically addresses violence within family settings, criminalising economic violence, emotional abuse, stalking, and sexual violence in marriage. It also allows third parties to report abuse on behalf of victims. The government has also established Gender Desks in police stations and a national GBV hotline (1195) to facilitate reporting and support for survivors.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Organisations like Usikimye, a community-based initiative, are at the forefront of assisting GBV survivors by providing safe houses, counselling, and economic empowerment programs. Njeri Migwi, co-founder of Usikimye, highlighted the overwhelming number of women seeking help, stating that her organisation often feels like it is doing the government's work. The Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) at Nairobi Women's Hospital also offers free medical treatment and psychosocial support to survivors.

Evidence/Data Box

• 43% of Kenyan women and 35% of men believe a husband is justified in beating his wife. (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics & Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 2023)
• Over 7,100 cases of gender-based violence recorded since September 2023. (Kenya's security report, as of December 2024)
• Approximately 500 femicide cases reported between 2019 and 2024. (Femicide Count, as of December 2024)
• 173 femicide cases documented as of September 2024, averaging two new cases every three days. (Development Aid, as of December 2024)

Risks and Implications

The persistence of domestic violence and femicide has severe implications for individuals and society. Beyond the immediate loss of life, it perpetuates a cycle of trauma, undermines gender equality, and strains public health and justice systems. The high number of cases reported, coupled with societal attitudes that sometimes condone violence, indicates a deep-seated issue that requires sustained intervention.

Unknowns and Controversies

While the legal framework is comprehensive, challenges in its implementation persist. These include non-specialisation of prosecutors, heavy caseloads, and a lack of essential facilities like forensic laboratories. The actual scale of femicide is also believed to be significantly underestimated due to underreporting and limited data collection.

Timeline and Next Steps

The suspect, Faith Cherono, remains in custody, and police investigations are ongoing. The post-mortem examination on Emmanuel Kiprono's body will provide further evidence for the case. The outcome of this investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched.

What to Watch

The public and civil society organisations will be keenly observing the progress of the case in Bomet as it unfolds in the Kenyan courts. Continued efforts by both governmental and non-governmental organisations to address the root causes of gender-based violence, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure justice for survivors will be crucial. The effectiveness of existing laws and policies in deterring such crimes and protecting vulnerable individuals will also remain a key area of focus.

Related Stories

The rising tide of domestic violence and femicide in Kenya has prompted widespread calls for action, including public protests and increased advocacy for women's rights and safety. Various initiatives are underway to strengthen the implementation of GBV legislation and provide support services to survivors across the country.