The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement addressing the issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including femicide across Kenya.
Released by the office of the Inspector General and signed by NPS Spokesperson Muhiri N. Nga on May 23, 2026, the statement has posed a serious threat to the safety, dignity and well-being of women and girls across the country.
It expressed concern over rising cases of femicide and confirmed the establishment of a specialized team at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters. The team comprises criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts and homicide investigators and other specialized professionals.
NPS emphasized it will continue to respond firmly and proactively through investigations, operational reforms and strengthened collaborations with key stakeholders.
The statement highlighted several high-profile convictions that demonstrate progress in delivering justice, such as the investigation and prosecution of Joseph Irungu alias “Jowie” in 2024, Benson Kimathi Maragu sentenced to forty years for the murder Marybell Amanikor Kapolong. Billington Mwathi was sentenced to thirty years for the murder of Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba in Karitina, Nyeri County among other cases.
The NPS also stated there are ongoing cases in court, such as the case of Hashim Dagane Muhumed, Seth Nyakio Njeri, Rachel Muthoni Gacunuku, Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, Mercy Nyambura Muriithi, Anita Mugweru and Davine Kwamboka.
Of the ninety- eight cases 78.4 % are currently before the courts, while twenty -seven cases 21.6% remain under active investigation.
The service has underscored femicide and SGBV are societal challenges requiring collective responsibility as it will continue to work with the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, criminal justice agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners, guided by recommendations from the Presidential Working Group on Femicide.
