How safe are we?… To many Kenyans, this is no longer just a question, it has become a pressing dilemma. With a sudden increase in broad daylight hitman attacks and gruesome murders reported across the county. Citizens are increasingly concerned about their safety.
According to Analysis of Violent Crimes in Kenya (2015-2023), there has been a steady increase in homicides from 2,648 in 2015 to a peak of 3,281 in 2021, followed by a slight decline to 3,031 in 2023.
The report tries to correlate the rising homicide cases to the rising socioeconomic pressures such as unemployment, poverty, and inequalities, which often exacerbate violent disputes.
The recent broad daylight assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in the streets of Nairobi has particularly shocked the nation.
The fact that such a high profile figure could be gunned down openly, in full view of the public, raises serious concerns about the audacity of criminals and the state of national security.
This is not an isolated incident. Other tragic cases have amplified the public’s fears. One such case is that of Sylvia Kemunto, a first year student at Multimedia University (MMU) pursuing a degree in Mass Communication and Computer Science.
Her body was discovered in a water tank three days after her disappearance. Investigations have earmarked Kemunto’s boyfriend, Eric Mutinda, who is a fellow first year student in electrical engineering, as a prime suspect.
Another alarming case is that of Collins Jumaisi, who has been linked to notorious Kware murders. He is alleged to have killed more than 42 women and later escaped custody at Gigiri Police Station. His whereabouts remain unknown, further deepening the sense of insecurity.
More recently, a disturbing case emerged involving a taxi driver in Maai Mahiu. According to investigation by Machakos County’s criminal investigation department, the driver was murdered and his body dumped within Machakos County.
These horrifying incidents have left Kenyans deeply unsettled. The frequency and brutality of these crimes have brought to light the fragility of security in the country and how easily lives can be lost.
Gov’t intervention
Because of the rising number of shocking murders in the country, President William Ruto, on January 10 2025, appointed a 42-member task force to address the vice in the country.
The team, led by former Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, has been mandated to assess, review, and recommend measures to strengthen the institutional, legal, and policy response to gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.
The head of state has further committed KSh100 million for the ‘Safe Homes, Safe Spaces’ campaign.
“Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims. Awareness is a crucial step in prevention. We must increase awareness of the availability of safe spaces where victims can seek refuge, toll-free hotlines such as GBV 1195, child helpline 116, and the DCI
anonymous reporting number 0800 722 203, and counselling services in order to provide victims with the support they need to find protection,” President Ruto said in November 2024.
In the light of these events, there is an urgent call for the government and security agencies the nation to intensify their efforts, monitor criminal activity closely and implement more effective measures to prevent an even graver situation from unfolding.
