The ant- femicide march has been planned for December 10 to demand an end to these killings as many Kenyan women continue calling for urgent action against femicide.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, femicide is defined as the deliberate killing of women and girls due to gender-based reasons, including beliefs that prioritize male dominance, the enforcement of traditional gender roles, or punishment for perceived unacceptable behavior.
The European Institute for Gender Equality also describes femicide as the most extreme form of gender-based violence, rooted in societal power imbalances.
In late October, few Kenyan human rights organizations issued a statement urging President Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis.
They called for a coordinated government response, noting a disturbing increase in brutal murders targeting women and girls.
According to a DCI report, 94 women and girls were killed between 2021 and 2024, with 65 suspects charged in connection to these crimes.
However, President Ruto has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to combat femicide.
“I know we’ve recently witnessed tragic incidents of our girls, mothers, and women being murdered in cold blood.The DCI and other investigative authorities must act decisively against these criminals.”
He further urged society to be vigilant against individuals who prey on women and girls.
