President Ruto Orders Urgent Investigation into Rising Femicide Cases.
President William Ruto has directed homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to promptly investigate the recent deaths of multiple women and girls in Kenya.
He made this announcement at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in ceremony, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Ruto instructed the DCI officers to collaborate closely with other security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.
The President reiterated his administration’s dedication to combating femicide, underscoring that the government would take stringent action against those found responsible for these brutal acts.
Ruto emphasized that recent violent deaths of women and girls could not be ignored and insisted that the DCI, along with other investigative bodies, intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
Warning to the Public and Call for Vigilance
During his address, President Ruto advised Kenyans to exercise caution around strangers, especially those who might lure young girls and women into unsafe situations. He highlighted the need for vigilance, marking this as a critical moment for the nation to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of women.
President Ruto’s directive followed a statement from Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Langat, who disclosed that 97 women had been killed in the past three months alone.
In a press briefing held in Nairobi on October 30, Langat acknowledged a sharp increase in femicide cases, urging concerted efforts from government, civil, and religious leaders to address the issue.
Langat reported that about 90 percent of femicide cases had undergone extensive investigation, resulting in several arrests. He assured the public that these cases are now pending in court, as authorities continue to work toward closing investigations and delivering justice.
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has also urged President Ruto to classify femicide as a national crisis.
Following the recent brutal murders, FIDA issued a statement on October 29, requesting the President to order security officers nationwide to expedite investigations into femicide cases and ensure the arrest of all perpetrators within fourteen days.
President Ruto Orders Urgent Investigation into Rising Femicide Cases.
