Confronting a surge in femicides in Kenya

The brutal murder of the Olympic runner Rebecca CHEPTEGEI in September 2024 drew global attention renewed to a silent epidemic in Kenya: femicide and other forms of violence against women. With nearly 100 women murdered by men in just three months, 2024 was one of the deadliest years ever recorded for Kenyan women. With slow mentalities to change and in the absence of a significant response from the government, some Kenyan women take matters into their own hands by registering for self -defense lessons. And while William Ruto’s government has unveiled a 42 -members working group to combat sexist violence in January, feminist activists are already expressing concerns, this will not have a significant impact. Erin Ogunkeye spoke to the feminist and security teacher Awino Okech from Soas in London University to find out more. She is also director of the Feminist Center for Racial Justice.