Kenyan women fight back as femicide surge sparks fear

A wave of brutal attacks on women in Kenya has prompted many to take self-defense into their own hands, as femicide cases rise across the country.

At least 97 women were killed in gender-related attacks between August and October last year, according to police figures, suggesting an alarming trend. Activists blame economic hardship, entrenched patriarchy, and weak legal protections, noting that spousal rape remains legal in Kenya.

In Nairobi’s Korogocho slum, a group of elderly women known as Cucu Jukinge—Swahili for “Grandma, protect yourself”—train in self-defense. For some, these skills have been life-saving.

Gender-based violence often goes unpunished, with police dismissing cases as private disputes. The recent murder of Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was burned alive by her ex-boyfriend despite multiple police reports, underscores systemic failures.

Public outrage has grown, but authorities’ response remains slow. A government task force has been given 90 days to propose solutions, but many women say they have no choice but to defend themselves.

Beatrice Mungai, 81, recalls fending off a home intruder. “I kicked him three times where it hurts,” she said. “He begged me not to kill him—I told him, ‘I warned you.’”

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