Say No to Femicide: Movement Demands Urgent Action Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
“Femicide is not just a statistic; it is the tragic loss of lives, dreams, and futures. We must call it out by name and stop this epidemic,” Kirui stated.

Say No to Femicide: Kenyan Movement Urges Action as Gender-Based Violence Escalates
The “Say No to Femicide in Kenya” movement an initiative of the Green Circle Foundation , spearheaded by Kate Kirui, and a dedicated climate justice activist, is galvanizing the nation to confront the escalating crisis of femicide and gender-based violence. Speaking at the launch, Kirui underscored the movement’s commitment to transforming awareness into tangible action, calling on Kenyans to unite in ensuring the safety and security of every woman.
“This movement isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action,” Kirui declared. “We need each and every one of you to be a loud voice, to speak up, share insights, and actively contribute to our mission. Together, let’s push for change and build a society where every woman can feel safe.”
High-Profile Femicide Cases Highlight Urgency
The movement’s urgency is underscored by the tragic loss of several high-profile female athletes in recent years. In September 2024, Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei was set alight by a man she knew in Eldoret, Kenya, reportedly over a land ownership dispute. Cheptegei’s attacker, Dickson Ndiema, succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
Rebecca Cheptegei is not the first woman athlete to fall victim to femicide in Kenya. In 2021, Olympic runner Agnes Tirop was brutally stabbed to death in her home in Iten. The following year, in 2022, Damaris Mutua was found strangled in Iten, with her boyfriend still at large and wanted for her murder.
“These murders are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger pattern of violence against women in Kenya,” said Kirui. “When prominent figures like Cheptegei and Tirop are targeted, it sends a chilling message to all women.”
Alarming Statistics Reveal a National Crisis
Femicide in Kenya is not limited to high-profile cases. Investigative media house Africa Uncensored estimates that between 2017 and 2024, approximately 500 women were killed across the country. In 2023 alone, Femicide Count, a Kenyan organization, documented 152 cases based on media reports.
According to a 2020 report by the World Health Organization, Kenya has one of the highest femicide rates in Africa, with an estimated 47 women killed each week. This figure represents a staggering 50% increase in femicide cases over the past decade. The majority of these cases go unreported or unnoticed due to deep-seated social and cultural factors, exacerbating the crisis.
Diana Russell and Jill Radford, feminist scholars, first defined femicide in 1992 as “the misogynist killing of women by men.” Russell later refined the definition in 2001 to “the killing of females by males because they are female,” highlighting the gendered nature of this violence (The Conversation, online publication).
“Know it, Name it, Stop it” – The Movement’s Call to Action
The SNF movement is built on the foundational pillars of “Know it, Name it, Stop it,” a mantra advocated by Kirui. This framework encourages individuals to recognize instances of gender-based violence, openly identify them, and take proactive steps to prevent further violence.
“Femicide is not just a statistic; it is the tragic loss of lives, dreams, and futures. We must call it out by name and stop this epidemic,” Kirui stated. “Let’s make this movement powerful and impossible to ignore!”
A Collective Effort for Change
Kirui emphasized that addressing femicide requires a united effort from all sectors of society. “Femicide is a community issue, not just a women’s issue,” she asserted. Engaging men, community leaders, religious organizations, and policymakers is crucial in transforming societal attitudes and implementing effective interventions.
The movement is urging lawmakers to enforce Kenya’s Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015 more strictly. Additionally, Kirui is advocating for increased funding for safe houses and crisis centers, noting that very few exist to serve Kenya’s vast population.
Social Media and Public Engagement
The movement has harnessed the power of social media, with hashtags like #LughaNiMOJA-Action, #SayNoToFemicide, and #KnowItNameItStopIt gaining traction. These platforms are being used to share stories, raise awareness, and mobilize support, engaging thousands across the nation.
Despite the grim statistics, Kirui remains hopeful that through collective action, education, and policy reform, Kenya can significantly reduce femicide rates. “Thank you for being here and for being part of this crucial cause,” Kirui concluded. “With each voice, we bring our society closer to one where every woman can feel safe.”
As the “Say No to Femicide” movement continues to grow, advocates and supporters alike are determined to make gender-based violence a national priority, striving for a future where no woman in Kenya has to fear for her life.
#LughaNiMOJA-ACTION #SayNoToFemicide #KnowItNameItStopIt