The rise in femicides in Kenya over the last few weeks of 2024 has sparked concern and contemplation among participants in our recent Coffee Bar Tuesday conversation. The prevalent question was: what could be the underlying reasons for the alarming rate at which women are being killed, often by someone close to them? A different perceptive emerged with many suggesting a connection between these deaths and financial motivations.

During the discussion, participants cited recent incidents, attributing the killings to a perceived pursuit of a luxurious lifestyle by some women. The notion that these women, driven by desires for wealth and extravagance, become more susceptible to violence gained traction. The purpose of this discussion was not only to comprehend the reasons behind these acts but also to collectively brainstorm ways to safeguard women and condemn the killings.

When participants were asked to delve into their perspectives on the root causes, a variety of factors surfaced, including poverty, financial constraints, greediness, the allure of an easy life, involvement in prostitution, and engagement in partying. However, some argued that, given that certain victims came from well-off families, financial motives might not be the sole driver. Instead, they posited that there must be deeper reasons behind these tragic events.

With different reports indicating that 1 out 3 women have experienced violence during their lifetime could now change to 3 out of 3 women has experienced violence especially in Kenyan context. Women and girls have been going subjected to brutal killing and at the end blamed for the murders with society justifying why they were killed.

During the discussion, the moderator posed a question asking “how can we create a safe place for women and girls and what advice would you give to your daughter or sister? This brought allot of mixed reactions. One participants shared that as soon as a girl has been engaged in sex, there’s nothing you can advise them concerning sex.

“The moment your daughter or sister engages in sex, there’s nothing you can tell them, they to be they have seen the world and knows how the world works” Participants shared

The importance of a strong support system emerged as a key element in protecting women and girls. Participants highlighted that when parents or guardians become a reliable support system, they foster an environment where their children feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Many acknowledged a communication gap between parents and children, raising the concern of someone lacks affection where they are, they seek affection externally leading to misunderstandings.

At the end, the discussion emphasized a critical point: Airbnb or any external factor does not kill women; it is men who commit these acts. There is no justification for taking someone’s life, regardless of the lure of money. The plea was for parents to foster closeness with their children, educating them about the realities of the outside world and reinforcing that everyone is both a potential survivor and unfortunately, a potential perpetrator and they should always be vigilant on anything they do.