Wave of Brutal Murders Grips Kenya as Police Struggle to Contain Violence

The recent discovery of four brutally murdered individuals, Waris Daud, her daughter Nuseiba Dahir, her niece Amina Abdirashad, and Willis Onyango Ayieko has brought renewed attention to the escalating violence plaguing the nation.

The tragic sequence began when Waris Daud, who had ventured out for a routine skin-care treatment on October 21, disappeared without a trace. The situation took an even darker turn when her daughter Nuseiba and niece Amina subsequently vanished. Their bodies were later discovered in separate locations with Daud's in Kyumbi and the young women's in Nairobi. Police investigations revealed that Daud had endured extreme violence, including sexual assault, facial mutilation, and near decapitation.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has acknowledged a troubling increase in murder cases over the past two months. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, however, the continued evasion of suspects has heightened community fears. Also, The discovery of human resources director Willis Ayieko adds another layer to this disturbing pattern. He was found handcuffed and mutilated after a four-day disappearance with the pristine condition of his abandoned vehicle suggesting a carefully planned abduction.

“A comparative analysis of murder cases reported from August to October for the years 2022-2024, indicates a slight increase. In 2024, a total of 339 murder cases have so far been recorded compared with 336 cases in 2023 and 341 cases in 2022 respectively,” he said.

The murder of James Onchiri Nyaata, a senior advocate, further exemplifies the calculated nature of these crimes. Witnesses report seeing three individuals assist him outside a bar before his death by blunt force trauma. This incident, along with the murder of Victoria Mumbua, whose body was discovered at the City Mortuary after a two-week disappearance demonstrates the perpetrators' growing boldness.

The tragic death of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei at the hands of a former partner also discloses the deadly intersection of domestic and gender-based violence in Kenyan society. Civil society organizations, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Haki Afrika, have vocally criticized the government's failure to protect its citizens. With over 20 murder cases documented in the past month alone, there is mounting pressure on law enforcement to deliver justice.