The National Police Service (NPS) has reassured the public of its commitment to tackling the increasing cases of femicide in the country, detailing investigative achievements, active cases, and internal reforms.
In a statement, the NPS acknowledged the deeply troubling rise in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases across Kenya.
“The rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, including femicide, continue to pose a serious threat to the safety, dignity, and well-being of women and girls across the country. It is a matter that demands collective national attention and a united response from all sectors of society,” the statement noted.
Preliminary findings from investigations have shown that a majority of femicide and SGBV cases are rooted in domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, assault, and unresolved family conflicts.
“These incidents underscore the urgent need for strengthened preventive interventions, increased awareness, and community engagement to address the root causes of gender-based violence,” the statement noted.
The NPS also confirmed that a specialised team has been set up at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, bringing together criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, homicide investigators, and other specialist professionals.
“The Service has adopted a multi-faceted and intelligence-led approach aimed at effectively preventing, investigating, and prosecuting perpetrators,” NPS said.
Among the cases the NPS highlighted as successfully concluded is the prosecution of Joseph Irungu, alias “Jowie,” for the murder of Monica Nyawira Kimani, for which he was sentenced to death in 2024.
Other finalized cases include the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong in Imenti North, Meru County, where the accused, Benson Kimathi Marangu, received a 40-year sentence.
The killing of Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba in Karatina, Nyeri County in 2022, which resulted in a 30-year sentence for one Billington Mwathi. Jackline Naliaka’s killer was sentenced to 25 years, while Douglas Bushuru Angatia, convicted of murdering Mercy Kiliswa, received 15 years, were among other finalized cases.
Several high-profile cases remain active in court.
These cases include the murder of Deka Abdinoor Gorone, where suspect Hashim Dagane Muhumed was arrested in November 2024 after an intensive investigation, and the killing of college student Seth Nyakio Njeri at Thika’s Biafra Estate, in which suspect Ken Kimathi Gacunuku was apprehended after spending a year on the run.
The NPS also highlighted the murders of Rachel Muthoni Wandeto and Grade Six pupil Mercy Nyambura Muriithi in Njoro Sub-County, the stabbing death of Anita Mugweru in Nakuru, and the murder of Davine Kwamboka in Migori County.
The National Police Service recorded 125 femicide-related cases in 2025.
The Central Region recorded the highest number at 31 cases, followed by Western with 30, Nairobi with 17, Rift Valley and Eastern with 16 each, Coast with 9, Nyanza with 4, and North Eastern with 2.
Of those 125 cases, 98, representing 78.4%, are currently before the courts, while the remaining 27 are still under active investigation.
“These statistics demonstrate the National Police Service’s enhanced focus, commitment, and resolve in ensuring justice for victims, survivors, and affected communities,” the statement read.
Beyond investigations, the NPS has established the Directorate of Gender and rolled out Gender Desks and Child Protection Units across police stations countrywide.
“These structures continue to play a critical role in improving survivor-centred responses, enhancing access to justice, and ensuring timely support for victims,” the statement noted.
The Service is also expanding its POLICARE Centres, one-stop facilities offering survivors free access to police assistance, legal aid, medical care, psychosocial support, counselling, and referral services, all under one roof.
The NPS called on the public to report incidents promptly and support survivors through community-based interventions.
“No effort will be spared in confronting and eliminating femicide and all forms of gender-based violence in the country,” the statement concluded.
