Demonstrators carry a coffin, during a march against rising cases of femicide, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, June 1, 2026 -

Last updated: 1 hour ago

femicide

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Kenya’s capital on Monday, calling for the government to urgently investigate rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide, or the killing of women.

Demonstrators walked through the streets of Nairobi holding placards with messages such as “Stop Killing Women,” while also creating awareness about the disappearance and murders of children reported locally in recent weeks.

Women’s rights organizations have warned of rising cases of gender-based violence and urged the government to declare it a national crisis.

This is after a local singer was doused with petrol and set on fire, later succumbing to her injuries.

On May 23, police said they had formed a specialized investigative unit, bringing together criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, homicide investigators and other specialists.

The police said that most gender-based violence cases are linked to domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, assault and unresolved family conflicts.

According to the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya, the organization receives about 70 gender-based violence cases every week across its three offices in Nairobi, the port city of Mombasa and the lakeside city of Kisumu.

Lobby groups on May 21 issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government to act or face nationwide protests.

Additional sources • AP

Kenyan protesters march with coffins as femicide cases rise

Suggested for you

More Stories

Police catch three armed robbers, recover stolen items in Akwa Ibom

Iran Crisis Raises Farm Costs in South Africa

Religious leaders warn against politicisation of prophecy

20% fare hike illegal; disregard any increment – Transport operators

George Asare-Afriyie Shares: The Journey Toward St. Augustine's College's 97-Year Legacy

Mexico sets world record with huge AR World Cup mural

Discussion