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Opposition leader Raila Odinga has consistently spoken out against the escalating femicide crisis in Kenya, declaring it a national emergency and urging immediate action to protect women and girls.
Long before thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Saturday, January 27, 2024, to protest the brutal killings of women, Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga had already emerged as a prominent voice condemning the surge in femicide cases. On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, he issued a strong statement, terming the murder of women a national emergency. Odinga expressed profound sadness over the increasing deaths of young women, stating, "The abnormality of these murders cannot become the new normal. Murder is and will always be wrong, and there is no excuse. It is a threat to homeland security. It must come to an end."
During an event in Mombasa County on the day of the anti-femicide protests, Odinga reiterated his condemnation, highlighting the gruesome nature of the violence. He passionately questioned the perpetrators, asking, "Were you born by a fellow man?" and emphasised the pain of childbirth and motherhood, asserting that a wife is a partner, not property. His consistent calls for justice resonated with many Kenyans who felt a void in leadership regarding the protection of women's lives.
Femicide, defined as the intentional murder of women or girls because they are female, has been a growing concern in Kenya. The country has witnessed a disturbing increase in these killings, with 2024 being recorded as the worst year yet, with at least 170 women and girls murdered. This represents a 79 percent increase from 2023, which saw 95 cases. Between September and November 2024 alone, law enforcement agencies recorded 97 femicide cases.
While Odinga consistently addressed the issue, President William Ruto broke his silence on femicide nine months later, on Friday, November 1, 2024, during the swearing-in of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Subsequently, a 42-member task force on gender-based violence, including femicide, was established, led by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza.
Kenya possesses a robust legal and policy framework aimed at preventing and combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Key legislation includes the Constitution of Kenya (2010), the Sexual Offences Act (2006), the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011), the Victim Protection Act (2014), and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015). The Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, in particular, is the only legislation solely addressing violence within family settings, criminalising economic violence, emotional abuse, stalking, and sexual violence in marriage.
Despite these legal provisions, challenges in implementation persist, including non-specialisation of prosecutors, heavy caseloads, and a lack of essential facilities like forensic laboratories. Activists have also called for femicide to be recognised as a distinct crime, separate from murder, to ensure targeted legal responses that account for the unique circumstances of these killings.
The escalating femicide crisis has galvanised civil society organisations and women's rights advocates across Kenya. Organisations like the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya, Africa Uncensored, Odipo Dev, and Usikimye have been at the forefront of documenting cases, advocating for justice, and raising public awareness. The #EndFemicideKE and #TotalShutdownKE campaigns have mobilised public discourse, pushing for systemic changes.
The January 2024 protests saw thousands of women and men march in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, carrying placards with messages such as "Stop Killing Us" and "Say Their Names." These demonstrations highlighted the widespread fear among women and the urgent demand for state protection.
The rising femicide rates pose a significant threat to homeland security and undermine the constitutional assurances of parity and accomplishment for women in Kenya. The normalisation of gender-based violence and victim-blaming rhetoric further exacerbates the crisis. Economic dependency often traps women in abusive relationships, making it difficult for them to report violence. The lack of comprehensive, gender-disaggregated data on homicides also hinders effective policy responses and targeted interventions.
While official statements and initiatives have been launched, activists express skepticism regarding the sufficiency of these measures. The effectiveness of the newly formed special unit to investigate femicide cases remains to be seen. There are also concerns about judicial delays, corruption within law enforcement, and the underreporting of cases, which means the true number of femicides is likely higher than recorded statistics.
The focus will be on the implementation and effectiveness of the government's initiatives, including the 'Safe Homes Safe Spaces' program and the recommendations of the task force on gender-based violence. The call for femicide to be legally recognised as a distinct crime will also be a key area to watch, alongside efforts to improve data collection and judicial efficiency. Continued advocacy from civil society and women's rights organisations will be crucial in holding authorities accountable and driving systemic change.
