Mudavadi: Special missing persons unit formed to deal with femicide cases

Giving the national security brief on Thursday, Mudavadi stated that the unit spearheaded by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja will be domiciled at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide unit 

This comes in the wake of femicide cases which have seen 100 murders recorded from August to November 2024.

Likewise, Mudavadi noted that the country has recorded a total of 7,107 sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases from September 2023 to late. 

"Nairobi recorded the highest while Mandera and Samburu had the least numbers," he stated.

CS Mudavadi has stated that the DCI has completed investigations and a majority are pending in court.

He added that a soon-to-be-formed presidential working group on femicide is expected to deliver actionable proposals and address femicide issues within 90 days of its creation to install a structured approach based on their recommendations. 

He also emphasized the government's commitment to uphold safety to Kenyans, citing events surrounding the Finance Bill protests in June 2024 which led to the killing of youthful protesters. 

Mudavadi noted that the deadly protests remind Kenyans of the "delicate balance between the right to peaceful assembly and the need to maintain public order".

He claimed that the protests, which kicked off safely, were infiltrated with "criminal elements" who exploited the move to destroy critical national structures.

"We deeply regret the loss of lives and injuries sustained during this period both among civilians and security personnel. These losses are a solemn reminder of the collective need for vigilance and restraint," he noted. 

He further stated that social media has been used to create false narratives that certain lawful arrests were abductions which he says should be regulated to uphold sanity in national security.

"Some who were allegedly kidnapped were safely reunited with their families. All arrests will be conducted within the bounds of the law. Any officer found contravening this principle will be held accountable," Mudavadi stated.

The prime CS further added that terrorism has been effectively addressed in the nation, reporting that 27 terrorist attacks have been thwarted from January 2022 to November 2024 across the country.

"During the period several terrorists have been neutralized. The government has also pushed for 11 successful convictions. Our success came through collaboration with international agencies," he said.

Similarly, Mudavadi stated that cattle rustling in banditry-prone areas have been decreased by 62%. 

He said that Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo and Meru counties have witnessed a significant restoration of order through the Maliza Uhalifu operation formed to combat banditry.

He added that 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and processed during the same period.

"As of December 17, 2024, 240 firearms were surrendered. Unfortunately, 179 civilians and 4 officers were killed," he stated.

Currently, the government has completed rebuilding 11 primary schools, 5 are under rehabilitation while 9 others are set to be rehabilitated for use during the first term of 2025.

Mudavadi however noted that there has been an 11% increase in injuries from road accidents from 2023 but a significant decrease in fatalities.

"The decrease in fatalities among drivers, passengers, pillion passengers and motorcycles has decreased by 5.85%, 10%, 9% and 10.05% respectively," said Mudavadi.

He therefore urged motorists to exercise caution during the festive season, ordering an increased police presence and patrols along major highways to enforce compliance with road rules. 

"There should be strict enforcement of regulations including ensuring that all PSVs have valid road service licenses. This will help ensure that only safe vehicles are on the road," he stated.

He added: "Base commanders and officers should do their outermost to ensure safety and ensure that no incidents occur within their jurisdictions. Every officer must be actively engaged in monitoring any issues of non-compliance ot road safety regulation."

While assuring Kenyans of safety during the holiday period, Mudadavi urged citizens to partner with law enforcement agencies in reporting criminal activities to enhance security.