A series of shocking incidents have rocked Kenya, as six women have lost their lives in separate cases of violence across the country in just the first weeks of 2025. Femicide in Kenya: Lydiah Tokesi, 5 Other Women Killed in January 2025 in Shocking Wave of Violence The deaths have sparked outrage, with calls for immediate government action to address the rising violence against women. TUKO.co.ke shares a list of Kenyan women whose lives were cut short by people they knew and trusted.
1. Lydiah Tokesi: Kajiado County
Tragedy and sorrow gripped the family and friends of Lydia Tokesi, a 29-year-old Moi University graduate who disappeared on January 4. This was after her mutilated body was discovered in Gataka Forest, Kajiado County, ending the week-long search. Authorities are still hunting for her long-term boyfriend, Phillip Orwa, who is the key suspect in the gruesome murder that shocked the nation.
2. Winnie Akusuha: Nandi County
A sombre mood engulfed Kanlbwareng village in Nandi county after a domestic dispute turned tragic. Juma Hannise Shimano allegedly stabbed his wife, Winnie Akusuha, to death following what is believed to be an escalation of their altercation. The man also died a few moments later, leaving their three children, a boy and two lovely girls, orphaned.
3. Joy Fridah Munani: Nairobi County
Police on routine patrol in Huruma arrested 29-year-old John Kiama Wambua after noticing his suspicious behaviour as he clung to a heavy bag. Upon inspection, they discovered that the backpack contained dismembered body parts of his 19-year-old wife, Joy Fridah Munani. The unusually calm suspect led detectives to his house where the officers found more remains under a bed and a blood-stained knife. Investigations are underway as authorities search for missing body parts and the motive behind the brutal crime.
4. Laurine Ochieng: Siaya County
Alloyce Ochieng, 24, allegedly hacked his estranged wife, Laurine Ochieng, to death after inviting her to discuss their issues. Alloyce’s mother and neighbours pleaded with him to stop, but he continued the attack, only fleeing after realising she was dead. Laurine’s enraged relatives set Alloyce’s and his mother’s houses on fire, then proceeded to the mortuary where her body had been taken.
5. Marianne Kilonzi: London
Away from home, 43-year-old Marianne Kilonzo, a Citibank vice president, was found dead at her apartment in Woolwich, London, on Friday, January 17. Postmortem results indicated that the Kenyan woman succumbed to blunt-force trauma and a head injury, allegedly inflicted by a person known to her.Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren of Specialist Crime South told the media that the police had launched an investigation into her suspected murder. Ruto constitutes task force to combat femicide This comes against the backdrop of President William Ruto constituting a task force to look into the incidents of femicide and other forms of gender-based violence.
In a gazette notice published on Friday, January 10, the president observed that increased cases of GBV and femicide continue to cause immense physical, emotional, and economic harm to individuals, families, and communities. He appointed one-time deputy chief justice Nancy Barasa to chair the 42-member task force.
by Hillary Lisimba
