Rising Cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in Kenya
We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the alarming rise in cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), femicide, rape, kidnappings and violence against women and children being witnessed across the country since the beginning of 2026. The continued loss of innocent lives and increasing insecurity facing women and girls demand urgent national attention and action.
The recent cases include:
● Alice Riang’a - a second-year student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University who was last seen around Bondo on 6th May, was reported missing on 8th May before her body was found dumped at Bar Kowino forest in Bondo, on 10th May.
● Fedalis Chepchumba - the body of a 21-year old woman found dead in her boyfriend’s house in Likoni, Mombasa. Her mutilated, bruised and strangled body was found on 25th April, 2026 at Mtaa wa Maka, Likoni-Mombasa.
● Gloria Kazie - a 7-year-old child who was allegedly raped, murdered, and her body dumped inside a sack, around Manyani, Kisauni-Mombasa, on 14/3/2026.
● Keziah - a Grade 2 girl in Mwezang’ombe, Kilifi, reported missing on 4th May, 2026 and her body found around 5th May; raped brutally murdered; sparking outrage and calls for justice.
● Elizabeth Nina (a pregnant woman) - Around 21st March, her body was found dead in an unfinished building around a heap of rubbish in SentiKumi in Likoni-Mombasa.
● Rachael Brenda - A 39 year old mother, died on 4th May, 2026 under mysterious circumstances while carrying her chores at Highlevel, Shimanzi-Mombasa. Her body was covered with burnt bruises.
● Investigations highlight 12 girls have been kidnapped and went missing, in a single month in Mombasa.
These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a growing crisis of violence, insecurity and the inability to adequately protect women, girls, and vulnerable members of society. We strongly condemn all forms of GBV, femicide, sexual violence, kidnappings and abuse.
We call upon relevant authorities to:
● Conduct immediate and transparent investigations into all reported cases.
● Ensure swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
● Strengthen protection systems for women and children.
● Improve response mechanisms for missing persons and kidnapping cases.
● Provide justice, psychosocial support and protection for victims and their families.
We also urge communities to reject the normalization of violence, speak up against abuse, and support efforts aimed at protecting women and children.
Silence protects perpetrators. Action protects lives.
End GBV. End Femicide. Protect Women and Children from any form of violence.
Issued by:
Dreda Odiwuor,
Program Manager,
Ajenda Kenya.
We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the alarming rise in cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), femicide, rape, kidnappings and violence against women and children being witnessed across the country since the beginning of 2026. The continued loss of innocent lives and increasing insecurity facing women and girls demand urgent national attention and action.
The recent cases include:
● Alice Riang’a - a second-year student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University who was last seen around Bondo on 6th May, was reported missing on 8th May before her body was found dumped at Bar Kowino forest in Bondo, on 10th May.
● Fedalis Chepchumba - the body of a 21-year old woman found dead in her boyfriend’s house in Likoni, Mombasa. Her mutilated, bruised and strangled body was found on 25th April, 2026 at Mtaa wa Maka, Likoni-Mombasa.
● Gloria Kazie - a 7-year-old child who was allegedly raped, murdered, and her body dumped inside a sack, around Manyani, Kisauni-Mombasa, on 14/3/2026.
● Keziah - a Grade 2 girl in Mwezang’ombe, Kilifi, reported missing on 4th May, 2026 and her body found around 5th May; raped brutally murdered; sparking outrage and calls for justice.
● Elizabeth Nina (a pregnant woman) - Around 21st March, her body was found dead in an unfinished building around a heap of rubbish in SentiKumi in Likoni-Mombasa.
● Rachael Brenda - A 39 year old mother, died on 4th May, 2026 under mysterious circumstances while carrying her chores at Highlevel, Shimanzi-Mombasa. Her body was covered with burnt bruises.
● Investigations highlight 12 girls have been kidnapped and went missing, in a single month in Mombasa.
These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a growing crisis of violence, insecurity and the inability to adequately protect women, girls, and vulnerable members of society. We strongly condemn all forms of GBV, femicide, sexual violence, kidnappings and abuse.
We call upon relevant authorities to:
● Conduct immediate and transparent investigations into all reported cases.
● Ensure swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
● Strengthen protection systems for women and children.
● Improve response mechanisms for missing persons and kidnapping cases.
● Provide justice, psychosocial support and protection for victims and their families.
We also urge communities to reject the normalization of violence, speak up against abuse, and support efforts aimed at protecting women and children.
Silence protects perpetrators. Action protects lives.
End GBV. End Femicide. Protect Women and Children from any form of violence.
Issued by:
Dreda Odiwuor,
Program Manager,
Ajenda Kenya.
