Kenya: Increasing Number of Women Murdered By Domestic Partners

Since January, Kenya has experienced the murder of at least 14 women at the hands of their romantic partners, which has drawn attention to violence within the family dynamic. 

RELATED:

Feminists Responsible for Mass Murders: UKIP Leader

Experts have said that some of the contributing factors to violence within domestic relationships are depression, drug abuse and economic instability. 

In general, homicide cases have been gradually increasing every year in Kenya. In 2016, the country recorded some 2,751 cases and the following year, there were reportedly 2,774. In 2018 there was a significant spike with 2,856 cases reported to the police.

Urban areas, such as Eldoret, Nakuru, Meru and Nairobi, have been classified as the deadliest regions for violent crime. 

Statistics from police records, over recent years, have pointed to an increase in violence directed specifically at women. More often, men are the perpetrators in homicide cases. While victims are both men and women, women are being targeted at a higher rate. 

The most recent case took place on April 28, when Grace Kagura was stabbed to death in her living room in Nairobi's Pipeline Estate. Neighbors heard screams and attempted to get into the apartment, but the apartment was locked. The accused, James Wambugu, was found naked, along with his victim, holding the murder weapon.

In another case, a woman who previously reported an assault case against her husband was later killed by him. Twenty-eight-year-old Evelyn Musira was found dead inside her home by neighbors with multiple stab wounds. Her husband has yet to be located and is the prime suspect in her death. 

Postmortem examinations reveal that the main causes of death in the majority of domestic-related murders are puncture wounds, strangulation and head injuries.