By Pauline Auma

Dagoretti residents have voiced their growing concerns over the alarming increase in femicide cases across Kenya, urging the government to take stronger measures to address the issue. This outcry follows a tragic incident in Nairobi’s Kahawa West, where Lilian Achieng Aluku was reportedly killed by her boyfriend on Sunday, adding to a series of femicide cases that have gripped the nation.

According to recent data, femicide cases in Kenya have reached an unprecedented level, with 97 women reportedly killed over the past three months due to violence, primarily in domestic settings. This alarming statistic has sparked significant public debate, with local residents and officials calling for urgent intervention.

Paul Njoroge, a resident of Dagoretti, shared his perspective on the issue, attributing many of these cases to domestic conflicts and misunderstandings within relationships. “Couples need to find better ways of handling disagreements,” Njoroge advised, “rather than resorting to violence.” He further called on authorities to prioritize investigations into these cases, ensuring swift justice and increased safety for potential victims.

Similarly, Visude, a boda boda rider from Kabiria, pointed to issues of unfaithfulness as a contributing factor, noting how betrayals in relationships are escalating into acts of violence. He echoed calls for the government to establish clear and actionable strategies to reduce femicide and abduction cases.

President William Ruto, addressing the nation from a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, also emphasized the gravity of the issue. He pledged to increase resources for law enforcement agencies to effectively address the ongoing crisis, underscoring the need for enhanced investigative and preventive measures.

As calls for change continue to grow, the government faces mounting pressure to implement effective policies and community programs that foster peaceful conflict resolution and support victims of domestic violence, aiming to stem the tide of femicide that has left many Kenyans in fear and grief.