By Samuel Ouma
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has strongly castigated the recent brutal murders of six women across different parts of the country, which have sent shockwaves through the nation.
In a statement dated October 23, 2024, FIDA-Kenya expressed deep sorrow and outrage at the tragic killings, calling for swift justice and decisive action from law enforcement agencies to end the rising cases of femicide in Kenya.
According to FIDA-Kenya, three bodies were discovered on Monday, October 21, 2024, after Amina Abdi Rashid Dahir, her 22-year-old daughter, and her 12-year-old niece were reported missing.
The bodies were discovered in various areas, including Machakos, Park Road, and Bahati, after they went missing in Eastleigh, Nairobi. Police investigations have revealed that the same person is responsible for all three murders.
In a separate case, Seth Nyakio Njeri, a 23-year-old Zetech University graduate, was found dead in her Thika house on October 14, 2024. On October 21, two further victims, Christine Nyakio, a 24-year-old lady from Ngong, southwest of Nairobi.
Another unidentified woman was found killed. Nyakio's body was discovered in a marsh after she went missing from her home. The second woman's remains were discovered near Kisumu-Busia Road in Kisumu County.
“FIDA-Kenya demands that the Government of Kenya deploys all necessary and available resources towards the investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators of acts of femicide. We request the Ministry of Interior, the DPP, and the Inspector General of Police to treat these cases with the urgency they require. We will not accept to normalize the daily killings of women and girls in Kenya,” said FIDA-Kenya chairperson Christine Kungu.
FIDA-Kenya has extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, recognizing that these killings reflect a rising crisis in the protection of women and girls in the country.
The organization urged law enforcement agencies to prioritize the investigation of these horrible acts to guarantee that the victims' families obtain justice.
FIDA-Kenya also emphasized the worrisome increase in femicide instances in Kenya, calling it "unacceptable" and underlining the need for the government, security services, and society to take prompt action.
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! It is clear that women and girls in Kenya are facing a severe threat to their security and safety,” added Christine.