Uproar following killing of six women across Kenya in recent days

Various leaders and human rights groups have condemned the recent spate of killings of women, with six victims found dead across different parts of Kenya over the past three days under unclear circumstances.

On Monday, October 21, 2024, the bodies of Amina Abdi Rashid Dahir, her daughter (22 years), and her niece (12 years) were discovered in different locations in Machakos, Park Road, and Bahati.

The three had gone missing from Eastleigh, Nairobi, and police believe the same perpetrator was responsible for all their deaths.

In addition, the body of 23-year-old Zetech University graduate Seth Nyakio Njeri was found in her Thika home on October 14, 2024.

Christine Nyakio, a 24-year-old woman from Ngong, was also found murdered in a swamp on October 21, 2024, having disappeared from her home. Another unidentified woman was discovered along Kisumu-Busia Road in Kisumu County.

The killings have drawn widespread condemnation with citizens calling for action.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed deep concern regarding the recent surge in abductions and killings across the country, questioning the safety of citizens in light of the alarming events.

“Given the recent wave of abductions and killings, it's hard to believe anyone feels a sense of safety in our own country right now. Nobody is safe until all of us are safe,” he said.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan mourned the deaths of Amina Abdi, her daughter, and her niece, reflecting on the profound impact of the killings on the Eastleigh community.

He called for the urgent need for security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators, as the community demanded answers and safety in the wake of the tragedy.

“The Eastleigh community is in shock and grief following the tragic murder of a mother, her daughter, and her niece. The mutilated bodies of the victims—Waris Daud, her daughter Amina Abdirashid and her niece Nuseiba Dahir —were discovered at three separate locations in Machakos, Parklands, and Bahati. This brutal crime has sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, leaving residents devastated and on edge. It is imperative that the security agencies act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators of this despicable act," he said.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan mourns the loss of three women and calls for a thorough investigation and the prompt apprehension of the perpetrators

MP Yusuf Hassan: The Eastleigh community is devastated and in mourning over this tragedy. This has never happened in our community… pic.twitter.com/lURjFozDnq

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 23, 2024

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) also expressed outrage, highlighting the disturbing rise in femicide.

FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu emphasised that the recent six murders highlight a troubling trend that continues to plague the nation.

She noted that these crimes must not go unresolved, adding that the alarming increase in femicide cases is unacceptable.

“Enough is enough! Women and girls in Kenya are facing a severe threat to their security and safety. The government, security agencies, and all stakeholders must take immediate and concrete steps to enhance the protection of women and ensure that such atrocities do not continue,” said.

She called for increased vigilance, the deployment of resources to investigate and prosecute perpetrators, and for the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to publicly reassure women and girls of their safety.

Eastleigh murders

So far, an investigation has been launched into the Eastleigh murders with detectives actively pursuing leads. Authorities suspect the killings may be linked to a single perpetrator, and close family members are being questioned.

Nairobi police commander Adamson Bungei confirmed that the homicide unit has taken over the investigation.

"We don’t know yet why this happened, but our teams are actively investigating to find out what happened," he said.

According to police reports, the three victims from Eastleigh were likely killed elsewhere and dumped in different locations.

Amina's body was found with stab wounds in Parklands, while her niece Nuseiba was discovered in Bahati with blood-stained clothes but no visible injuries. Their mother's body was found in Machakos with severe mutilations, including missing wrists and evidence of sexual assault.

CCTV footage shows the two younger victims taking a taxi late on Monday night, the last time they were seen alive.

The grieving family has urged authorities to conduct a swift investigation into the murders, hoping justice will be served for the victims.