The National Police Service (NPS) has launched an intensified crackdown on femicide and gender-based violence across the country, revealing that the majority of reported cases this year are now undergoing prosecution in courts.
In a statement released on Saturday, the police described the growing number of killings involving women and girls as a national crisis threatening safety, dignity, and public wellbeing.
Authorities noted that investigations have linked many of the incidents to domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, assault, and unresolved family conflicts.
Police warned that the trend highlights the urgent need for stronger prevention measures, increased public awareness, and deeper community involvement in tackling the root causes of violence against women.
98 Femicide Cases Already Before Courts
According to the NPS, Kenya has recorded 125 femicide-related cases in 2025, with 98 of them — representing 78.4 percent — already active in court proceedings, while 27 remain under investigation.
The Central region recorded the highest number of cases at 31, followed by Western with 30. Nairobi recorded 17 cases, while Rift Valley and Eastern regions each reported 16 incidents. Coast region registered nine cases, Nyanza four, and North Eastern two.
Police described the figures as evidence of strengthened investigative efforts and a renewed commitment to ensuring justice for victims and affected families.
Special DCI Team Leading Investigations
The National Police Service also disclosed that a specialised investigative unit has been established at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters to handle complex femicide and gender-based violence cases.
The team includes homicide detectives, criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, and other specialised investigators tasked with tracking perpetrators and strengthening prosecutions.
Police indicated that the service is now relying on intelligence-led investigations and forensic analysis to improve conviction rates and speed up justice delivery.
High-Profile Cases Highlighted
Among the cases highlighted by investigators is the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, where Joseph Irungu, popularly known as Jowie, was sentenced to death in 2024.
The police also referenced the killing of Sheila Lumumba in Karatina, which resulted in a 30-year prison sentence, and the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong in Meru, where the accused received a 40-year jail term.
Other cases cited include the murder of Jackline Naliaka and the killing of Mercy Kiliswa, whose perpetrators were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
Meanwhile, several ongoing cases remain before the courts, including the murder investigations involving Deka Abdinoor Gorone, college student Seth Nyakio Njeri, Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, Grade Six pupil Mercy Nyambura Muriithi, Anita Mugweru, and Davine Kwamboka.
Police Expand Survivor Support Services
Beyond investigations, the NPS announced the expansion of survivor-centred support systems across police stations nationwide.
The service has established Gender Desks and Child Protection Units aimed at improving access to justice and ensuring victims receive immediate assistance.
Police are also rolling out additional POLICARE Centres, which provide integrated support services including legal aid, counselling, medical care, psychosocial assistance, and referrals under one roof.
Call for National Action Against Gender Violence
The National Police Service urged Kenyans to report cases promptly and support survivors through community-based interventions and awareness campaigns.
Authorities insisted that eliminating femicide and all forms of gender-based violence requires collective action from families, communities, institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
Police pledged that no effort would be spared in pursuing perpetrators and strengthening protection for women and girls across the country.
