Kenya Has A Femicide Problem - Urgent Call to Stop the Madness

 

Image of popular socialite Starlet Wahu

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Surge in gruesome murders of women in Nairobi's Airbnb rentals raises concerns in Kenya.

• Popular socialite Starlet Wahu's shocking murder in January sparks blame and discussions on societal trends.

• Public reactions vary, with some blaming Wahu for her demise, attributing it to alleged greed and poor judgment.

• Murder suspect John Matara's alleged crimes trigger more women to come forward with accusations.

• Media perpetuates victim-blaming by branding Wahu as a 'high-end escort,' reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

• Disturbing pattern continues with more women found murdered in Airbnb rentals and other locations.

• Online debates escalate, with some suggesting women bear responsibility for their safety, while others emphasize societal accountability.

• Advocates stress the importance of ending victim-blaming, holding perpetrators accountable, and changing societal attitudes to combat femicide.

You May Also Like:

Woman Dies After Allegedly Jumping Off Apartment Balcony In Lang’ata

Founder of NIBS College, Lizz Wanyoike, Passes Away

The concerning surge in the gruesome murders of women within Nairobi's Airbnb accommodations has prompted questions about a troubling trend in Kenya, sparking discussions about accountability for these brutal acts.

In the initial week of January, the shocking killing of the popular socialite Starlet Wahu unfolded, revealing a trap set by murder suspect John Matara. 

Following Wahu's tragic death, public reactions varied widely. While some expressed condolences to her family, others, in a disturbing trend, placed blame on Wahu herself for allegedly 'inviting' her demise.

A significant portion of commentators portrayed Starlet Wahu as a greed-driven individual who met a bloody fate while pursuing material success. The narrative suggests that she unknowingly fell into the clutches of a cunning manipulator in her quest for financial gain.

As news of John Matara's alleged crimes spread across the Kenyan internet, more women emerged, some anonymously, accusing him of robbery and attempted murder in previous incidents. 

Unfortunately, instead of eliciting empathy, a considerable number of individuals, primarily men, dismissed these concerns, attributing the women's predicaments to their pursuit of financial compensation and labeling them as deserving of the consequences of their actions.

Read Also:

Woman Discovered Dead in her House as Partner Flees the Scene

Kitui Man Sustains Serious Injuries After House Catches Fire While He Was Asleep

Media outlets further exacerbated the situation by branding Wahu a 'high-end escort,' reinforcing the misguided notion that women of her profile deserved a violent end for supposedly exploiting men for financial gain.

Regardless of occupation, the stark reality is that no woman deserves to be murdered simply for agreeing to socialize and stay overnight at any city establishment.

Tragically, even before the memory of Wahu's death could fade, another woman was discovered murdered and dismembered at a different Airbnb rental along TRM Drive, Thika Road.

The online response from male chauvinists continued, perpetuating the narrative that these women deserved no sympathy due to perceived greed and morality judgments.

Amidst the escalating online debate, prominent figures like feminist and gender-based violence advocate Njeri Migwi emphasized the undeniable right to life for everyone and decried any attempt to justify the killing of women based on moral judgments.

The pattern persisted with yet another woman found brutally murdered in Roysambu, followed by another case in Magarini, Kilifi County. 

The online discourse intensified, prompting individuals like publisher and podcaster Wayua Muli to assert that blaming Airbnbs for femicide was misplaced, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with the men choosing to commit these heinous acts.

The disturbing reality remains: women face wanton killings daily across the country, whether by intimate partners, ex-lovers, online acquaintances, or even neighbors. 

Some individuals suggested that activism alone might not be sufficient to curb femicide, placing the onus on women to prioritize their safety—an idea challenged by others who emphasized that societal responsibility must ensure the safety of all women, regardless of their choices or circumstances.

The normalization of the notion that a woman must die for being in the wrong place at the wrong time has significantly contributed to the alarming rise in femicide in Kenya. 

Advocates like Njeri Migwi continue to call for an end to victim-blaming and stress the importance of holding men accountable for their actions.

In highlighting the global nature of this crisis, references were made to an Australian article discussing femicide, emphasizing the grim reality that women are more likely to be murdered by someone they know. 

The UNDP Gender Social Norms Index revealed pervasive biases against women, warning that unless attitudes change, the cycle of violence against women will persist.