Catholic Bishops in Kenya Decry Abductions and Torture Linked to Past Anti-Government Protests

Recent reports in Kenya have indicated a disturbing increase in femicide, with 97 cases documented over a three-month span. The National Police Service (NPS) highlighted these figures as part of the angency’s intensified response to rising gender-based violence in the country.

The country’s Deputy Inspector General of Police has stated that approximately 90 percent of these cases have led to arrests, with suspects now awaiting court proceedings. This surge in violence has triggered public outcry and calls for both government action and societal vigilance to address and prevent further tragedies.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has also raised alarm over the rise in abductions and extrajudicial killings. According to KNCHR, cases of enforced disappearances have rapidly escalated since mid-2024, with investigations revealing breaches in personal liberty and safety under the Kenyan Constitution.

The Bishops also noted a particular rise in the murder of women, which they said has created “consternation, anger, and disgust” within Kenyan communities.

The Bishops called on the government to uphold its commitment to protect every human life in the country as enshrined in the country’s constitution.

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They emphasized that government leaders must take the lead in following the law which they swore to uphold. 

The Bishops urged Kenyan authorities to take decisive action to curb human rights violations in the country, arguing that every Kenyan deserves the security promised by the constitution.

Data from UN Women shows that over 500 women and girls have been murdered since 2016, indicating a troubling persistence of gender-based violence.

The escalation has prompted protests across major cities in Kenya, with demonstrators urging an end to violence against women and calling for systemic change to protect vulnerable populations.

Reports indicate that Gender-based violence remains a significant issue, particularly in intimate relationships, where many femicide cases are linked to current or former partners.

The UN has initiated police training programs in Kenya to recognize and address signs of potential femicide, while NGOs advocate for supportive measures for survivors and their families.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.