Analyzing the surge in femicide cases in Kenya: Six months on

Crime against women has surged in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, despite stringent measures implemented by enforcement agencies to curb this persistent issue. According to a report by Africa Data Hub, at least 500 women and girls have been murdered since 2016.

On January 14, 2024, Rita Waeni, a 20-year-old student, was brutally murdered and dismembered in a Nairobi apartment. Just days earlier, Starlet Wahu, a 26-year-old Instagram influencer, was found dead in an Airbnb.

These tragic events sparked a protest dubbed “END FEMICIDE NOW,” primarily attended by women demanding an end to these heinous acts. The protests elicited mixed reactions, with blame directed at both the victims and the perpetrators.

Causes of Femicide

Florence Wacheke, a victim of gender-based violence (GBV), suggested that the rise in femicide cases stems from men's inability to handle heartbreak after relationships end.

“The problem is men. You can’t just wake up and beat up your girlfriend as if she is your wife. When they break up, ladies will be hurt but after a few months when the breakup hits the guys, they will want to beat or kill you,” said Wacheke.

Femicide Enablers

Dr. Dennis Miano, Director of the Institute of Criminology, Forensics, and Security Studies (ICFoSS) at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), noted that femicide is on the rise and is not a new phenomenon. He argues that many femicide and android cases go unreported as the media cannot cover every incident.

“As many people deviate from fundamental belief systems such as social institutions like schools and churches, they are defined as criminals," said Dr. Miano.

A report by UNODC and UN Women indicates that current and former intimate partners are the most likely perpetrators, accounting for an average of 55% of all intimate partner and family-related killings. Blame has been directed at both the perpetrators and the victims for failing to prioritize their safety. The big question is who is to blame?

“The criminal justice system is the last line of defence in controlling deviant behaviours but cannot exclusively address the root cause of crime in society. Many issues we see are due to over-reliance on the criminal justice system. Family, church, and schools are the main social control institutions," said Dr. Miano.

Victim precipitation theory suggests that criminals select their targets based on attractive traits such as gender or sexual orientation. Dr. Miano asserts that vulnerable targets, in the absence of security, can easily be targeted by motivated offenders.

“They may go to a party where they know nobody or with a friend who is equally vulnerable and may end up being victimized," said Dr Miano.

Economic Factors

The harsh economic state has made life unbearable for many, leading them to unorthodox means to make ends meet. Grace and Wacheke caution women to be watchful and avoid the pressures of life, emphasizing the importance of seeking independence by fending for themselves.

“Starlet Wahu was victimized because she was in search of a better life. Let’s look for our money,” said Wacheke.

"I have also felt that pressure in my life; don't give in to it. Stop trying to fit into the lifestyle you see on social media. Don't go to those Airbnbs,” said Okose.

Affected Age Bracket

Dr Miano highlighted that the majority of femicide victims are young girls, post-teens, who are in the process of self-discovery and thus become exposed. Inappropriate parenting and guardianship can lead to the adoption of socially uncivilized behaviours that manifest in adulthood. Jacqueline Andal, a mother of three, urged parents to devote time and attention to their children to instil good morals and ultimately reduce femicide cases.

"Parents have left the children under the care of house helps whom they do not follow up on how they relate with their young ones," said Mrs. Andal.

“Between ages 6 to 13, children tend to be exploratory as they are still trying to understand themselves. With poor parenting, they can become deviant,” said Dr. Miano.

A Facebook study by Dr Miano showed that 39 victims reported being sexually assaulted at a young age, with approximately 13 abused by close family members. He noted that these early experiences are not far removed from ongoing sexual offences.

“From a human growth and developmental stage, these are young children who are still struggling with their identities and are not rational and can therefore be easily swayed," said Dr. Miano.

Who is to Blame?

Society at large is blamed for the rise in criminality, including schools, churches, families, and other social control institutions. Mrs. Andal condemned modern society for being egocentric and neglecting others' needs.

“Gone are the days when neighbours could correct the mistakes of other young ones, but if you try that today, it can be a serious problem. By attempting to correct your neighbour's child’s wrongs, you can be confronted,” said Mrs. Andal.

“While society is expected to nurture individuals to become good persons, it can also nurture bad behaviour when wrongdoings are not promptly corrected,” said Dr Miano.

Solutions to Femicide

To suppress crime, Dr. Miano proposed that the government focus more on protective mechanisms rather than the reactive mechanisms currently dominant in Kenya.

He called for social control institutions to effectively play their roles in creating a better society. Dr Miano advised women to take precautionary measures, such as sharing their location with friends, especially when going out with strangers, and not going out alone to prioritize their safety.