PRESS STATEMENT: Statement on the Brutal Murder of Abigael Wina Wanjiku and Shooting of a Protestor in Mwiki, Kasarani.

Nairobi, 24th June 2025 — The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) is deeply saddened and outraged by the horrific rape and brutal murder of 18-year-old Abigael Wina Wanjiku that happened on 19th June 2025 in Mwiki, Kasarani area of Nairobi. In what is clearly a case of femicide, a hate crime, the post-mortem report indicates that Abigael suffered unimaginable violence, including a severe head injury and multiple stab wounds, in what can only be described as a heartless and inhumane act.

Unfortunately, the National Police Service has yet to update the public on the status of the arrest of any suspects or investigations into this unfortunate murder. This failure to promptly apprehend those responsible only adds to the pain and fear felt by the family and the country.

FIDA-Kenya equally regrets and strongly condemns the tragic shooting of Joshua Nderitu, a peaceful protestor who had joined fellow residents to demand justice for Abigael. The post-mortem report conducted revealed that Mr. Nderitu died from a single gunshot to the head. We take note of media reports that the police officer who fired the bullet has been interdicted. FIDA-Kenya calls on the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to provide a public update on the status of investigations and the disciplinary or legal actions against that officer.

We further express our deep concern that cases of femicide in Kenya continue to rise due to gender-based hatred. Yet, there is little to no visible progress in investigations or arrests of perpetrators in most of the cases. Kenyan women and girls are being killed at an alarming rate, while families and communities are left without answers.

FIDA-Kenya calls on the government to take actionable steps to end this impunity. There needs to be swift and transparent investigations, strengthened protection mechanisms for women, and accountability across all levels of the justice system. Every life ended prematurely is a tragedy, and Abigael’s story must not become just another statistic.

Christine Kungu

FIDA-Kenya Chairperson

FIDA-Kenya media Contact: Mark Owuor Otieno – owuorm@fidakenya.org