The National Police Service (NPS) has responded to growing public concern over the rising cases of femicide and gender-based violence in the country, assuring Kenyans that investigations and prosecutions are being intensified to bring perpetrators to justice.
National Police Service Director of Corporate Communication/Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, in a statement on Saturday, May 23, 2026, said the police acknowledged the alarming increase in violence against women and girls, saying the trend poses a serious threat to safety and human rights across the country.
“The National Police Service remains deeply concerned by the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including femicide, which continue to pose a serious threat to the safety, dignity, and well-being of women and girls across the country,” the statement read.
The service said Kenya has in recent years witnessed a disturbing rise in violence against women and girls, calling for a united response from all sectors of society.
Police noted that despite the complex nature of femicide-related crimes, investigators have adopted a multi-agency and intelligence-led approach aimed at preventing, investigating and prosecuting offenders.
“To strengthen this response, a specialised team has been established at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters,” the statement said.
According to the police, the team includes homicide investigators, forensic experts, criminal intelligence analysts and other specialists handling femicide-related cases across the country.
The service highlighted several cases that have already been concluded in court, including the murder of Monica Nyawira Kimani, where Joseph Irungu alias “Jowie” was sentenced to death in 2024 after being convicted of the offence.
Police also cited the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong in Meru County, where the accused was sentenced to 40 years in prison, and the killing of Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba in Nyeri County, where the suspect received a 30-year jail term.
Other cases mentioned included the murders of Jackline Naliaka and Mercy Kiliswa, whose accused persons were sentenced to 25 years and 15 years imprisonment respectively.
The police further listed several ongoing investigations and court cases involving suspected femicide victims across different counties.
Among them are the murder cases of Deka Abdinoor Gorone, Seth Nyakio Njeri, Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, Mercy Nyambura Muriithi, Anita Mugweru and Davine Kwamboka.
According to the statement, out of 125 reported femicide-related cases nationwide, 98 cases representing 78.4 per cent are currently before the courts, while 27 cases remain under active investigation.
Central Region recorded the highest number of cases at 31, followed by Western Region with 30 and Nairobi Region with 17 cases.
“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring all reported cases are investigated thoroughly, professionally, and expeditiously,” the statement read.
The service also announced measures aimed at improving support for survivors of gender-based violence, including the establishment of Gender Desks and Child Protection Units in police stations across the country.
Police said they are also expanding POLICARE Centres, which provide integrated services such as police assistance, legal aid, medical care, psychosocial support and counselling for survivors.
In addition, the service called on members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting incidents and sharing information that could assist investigations.
“Collective vigilance and cooperation remain critical in combating these crimes,” the statement said.
The statement comes amid increasing public pressure on authorities to address femicide cases and strengthen protection measures for women and girls across the country.
Police said they are working collaboratively with State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, criminal justice sector agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in implanting comprehensive interventions informed by recommendations of the Presidential Working Group on Femicide.
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