FIDA condemns 'pattern of violence against women' after bodies found in Kware

The discovery of mutilated bodies at an abandoned quarry in Nairobi is not an isolated incident, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has said, describing "a disturbing pattern of violence against women that has been escalating in this country."

FIDA issued a statement on Friday following the discovery of at least nine bodies,  mutilated and discarded similarly, in sacks near the Kware Police Station, at the quarry in the Kware estate of Embakasi, Nairobi. that has been turned into a dumpsite.

"The Federation of Women Lawyers is deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic discovery of six female bodies at the dumpsite," it said, adding that the incident brought to the fore the issue of sexual and gender-based violence leading to femicide.

"This incident is unacceptable. Women and girls in this county must be assured and guaranteed their safety and protection," FIDA said.

The organisation pledged legal and psychosocial support for the victims' families, adding, "We will continue to monitor this matter and update the public accordingly."

Thus far, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has directed the police to investigate the discovery and submit its findings within 21 days.

Various human rights organisations have condemned the crimes, among them the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC).

In a statement on X, the social media platform, the KNCHR said, "The Kenya Kwanza regime, led by [President William Ruto], must take accountability for this heinous crime."

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation into potential police involvement in the crime.

IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori announced on Friday that the investigation was launched due to the close proximity of the dumpsite to a police station, as well as widespread allegations of police involvement in unlawful arrests, abductions, and disappearances.

"Considering that the location of the dumpsite is less than a hundred meters from a police station, the widespread allegations of police involvement in unlawful arrests, abductions, and disappearances, and in line with the provisions of the IPOA Act Section 7(a)(x), which dictates that deaths and injuries suspected to have been occasioned by actions or inaction of the police shall be investigated by the authority, a Rapid Response Team was this afternoon dispatched with instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the deaths," said Makori.

Ruto, under increasing pressure from the public to resign for his administration's multiple failures, has acknowledged the issue of abductions and has promised the public thorough probes and appropriate punishment for anyone found culpable in the killings of peaceful protesters, most of them Gen Z.