Special police unit set up to investigate rising cases of femicide, gender-based crimes
The progressive rollout of ‘Policare’—a one-stop centre that offers free legal, psychosocial, police, and health services — further reinforces this initiative.
To curb rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence, the National Police Service has launched a new strategy to protect women’s rights and ensure justice for victims.
As announced by Police Spokesperson Micahel Nyaga Muchiri, the specialised unit is within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
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The unit comprising criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts and other professionals, has been set up to thoroughly investigate cases of femicide and other related crimes.
Nyaga said that recent investigations highlight the police’s firm approach.
In Imenti North, Meru County, the murder of Marybell Amankor Kapolong on September 16, 2018, resulted in the conviction of Benson Kimathi Marangu, who was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
In another case in Kilimani, Nairobi, the murder of Monica Nyawira Kimani on September 19, 2018 led to the quick arrest and subsequent life sentence of the accused, Joseph Irungu alias Jowie.
The case of Sheilah Adhiambo Lumumba, who was raped and murdered in Karatina, Nyeri County, on April 14, 2022, ended with the conviction of Billington Mwathi, who received a 30-year prison term.
More recent operations further underscore this commitment.
On November 5, 2024, detectives arrested Hashim Dagane Muhumed after an extensive probe into the murders of a mother, her daughter and her 12-year-old niece.
In another operation, George Mwenda Mutegi, the prime suspect in the murder of Lilian Achieng Aluko, was apprehended on November 8, 2024, following a careful manhunt in Tharaka Nithi County. Both cases remain under judicial review.
The police service has also boosted its support for survivors by establishing a Directorate of Gender, along with gender desks and child protection units in police stations.
Policare
The progressive rollout of ‘Policare’—a one-stop centre that offers free legal, psychosocial, police, and health services — further reinforces this initiative.
Collaboration with agencies such as the State Department for Gender and the Presidential Working Group on Femicide is aimed at strengthening prevention measures and building public confidence.
Muchiri added that the police service is committed to serve and protect Kenyans. He urged anyone with information on any crime to report it immediately using our toll-free numbers.
“We extend our gratitude to the public for their courage in coming forward and sharing essential information,” Muchiri said.
Kenya has been grappling with an alarming surge in gender-based violence, with 7,107 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) being reported since September 2023.
In November last year, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced that the country had witnessed a grim rise in femicide, with 100 women murdered between August and November 2024.
As reported, Nairobi County recorded the highest number of SGBV cases, while Samburu and Mandera counties reported the lowest.
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