Female body parts discovered discarded along roadside in Langata.

Police have initiated an investigation following the discovery of a severely mutilated female body near Langata Cemetery in Nairobi. The remains, predominantly consisting of bones, were found early on the morning of Thursday, October 31, apparently left there by unidentified individuals.

According to authorities, the bones showed signs of having been boiled, with flesh meticulously stripped away. The motive behind this disturbing act remains unclear, and no arrests have been made thus far. Investigators are working to identify the victim as the inquiry continues.

The incident has left many locals in shock, as police transported the remains to the mortuary for preservation and identification. Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei stated that they are actively investigating to determine both the motive and the individuals responsible.

This incident raises concerns amid fears that women are being specifically targeted for murder; however, authorities have clarified that there is no evidence of such a trend, emphasizing that murder is a crime regardless of the victim’s gender. In the past three months, at least 97 women have been killed in separate incidents, as reported by Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat, who noted these cases occurred in September, October, and November 2024.

Lagat described the situation as troubling and called for urgent action to address it. “This alarming trend underscores the need for focused efforts and collaboration to combat the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in our society,” he remarked during a media conference at the National Police headquarters in Jogoo House, where concerns regarding the rise in killings targeting women were discussed.

Femicide, defined as the intentional killing of women and girls, has emerged as a critical issue in Kenya, particularly given the significant increase in murder and manslaughter cases over the past two years. Lagat emphasized the police’s commitment to thoroughly investigating all serious crimes, noting that approximately 90% of femicide cases have been rigorously pursued, resulting in the arrest of suspects, with these cases now pending in court.

Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin stated that all cases are being investigated equally, reiterating that there is no evidence to suggest that women are being specifically targeted. “These incidents are the work of criminals, and we are addressing each one of them,” he asserted.

Principal Secretary for Gender Anne Wangombe expressed that the recent distressing events reflect a troubling resurgence of femicide in society. “These horrific occurrences not only devastate families but also instill fear and anxiety within communities, impacting people’s sense of safety,” she said.

Wangombe emphasized the inherent right of all individuals, regardless of gender, to feel secure in their environment. She affirmed their commitment to enhancing prevention mechanisms against such heinous acts and fostering a sense of safety for everyone in their communities.