NPS Forms Special Unit as Femicide Cases Surge in Kenya

NPS Sets Up Special Police Unit as Femicide Cases Rise

The National Police Service (NPS) has established a special police unit to deal with the growing number of femicide and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases in Kenya.

In a statement issued on Saturday, May 23, the police said the rising cases of violence against women and girls remain a major concern and require urgent action from both the government and the public.

According to the NPS, the special unit has been set up at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters and consists of homicide investigators, forensic experts, criminal intelligence analysts and other specialised officers.

“The National Police Service remains deeply concerned by the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, including femicide, which continue to pose a serious threat to the safety, dignity and well-being of women and girls across the country,” the statement read.

Role of the Special Unit Established by NPS

The Service said the team will focus on improving investigations, gathering intelligence and ensuring perpetrators are prosecuted.

The Service noted that these cases highlight the need for stronger awareness campaigns, preventive measures and community support systems to address gender-based violence.

NPS revealed that 125 femicide-related cases have been reported across the country.

Also Read: LSK, FIDA and Civil Society Groups Warn of Rising Femicide Cases in Kenya

Out of these, 98 cases are currently before the courts, while 27 remain under active investigation.The

Central Region recorded the highest number of reported cases at 31, followed by the Western Region with 30 cases.

Nairobi Region reported 17 cases, while Rift Valley and Eastern regions each recorded 16 cases. Coast Region had nine cases, Nyanza four, and North Eastern Region two cases.

Femicide Cases Concluded in Court

The police also highlighted some of the cases that have already been concluded in court.

Among them is the murder case of businesswoman Monica Kimani, where Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, was convicted and sentenced to death in 2024.

Also Read: Who is Killing Our Women? 10 Recent Femicide Cases Expose the Crisis

Other cases include the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong in Meru County and Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba in Nyeri County, where suspects were convicted and jailed.

The NPS further listed ongoing cases involving victims such as Deka Abdinoor Gorone, Seth Nyakio Njeri, Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, Anita Mugweru, and Davine Kwamboka.

The Service urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting incidents of violence and sharing information that could help investigations.

Police also said they are expanding POLICARE Centres across the country to offer free services to survivors of gender-based violence, including legal support, counselling, medical care and psychosocial assistance.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates