The brutal murder of a young Kenyan woman at an Airbnb has brought to the forefront the pervasive issue of misogyny online in Kenya. The details of the case are horrifying, with the victim being dismembered and her remains found in a plastic bag. This incident follows closely after the murder of another woman in an Airbnb in Nairobi. Gender-based violence is a significant concern in Kenya, with statistics showing that at least 34% of women have experienced physical violence.
What is particularly alarming about this case is the toxic online environment known as the “manosphere,” where misogynistic comments blaming the victims for their own deaths are widely shared. The “manosphere” is a network of online platforms that promotes masculinity and opposes feminism. One commenter on a social media platform dismissed the effectiveness of activism in preventing femicide, instead suggesting that women should prioritize their own safety.
In response to the victim-blaming, the hashtag #STOPKILLINGWOMEN started trending in Kenya, reflecting the frustration and outrage of many women who believe that the responsibility lies with men to stop the violence. However, this victim-blaming is not isolated but indicative of a broader culture of “woman-hating,” as described by Amnesty International Kenya’s executive director.
Kenyan MP Esther Passaris points to the patriarchal nature of Kenyan society as the underlying cause of such misogynistic attitudes. As a woman in the public eye, Passaris herself has been subjected to derogatory language and insults. This toxic online environment reflects the deeply entrenched gender inequalities in Kenyan society.
Activist Onyango Otieno suggests that the rise of feminism and demands for greater equality have threatened the traditional power dynamics of patriarchy, leaving some men feeling emasculated and displaced. Many men have not been taught how to coexist with women as equals, resulting in a resistance to change and a longing for the “promise of patriarchy” to be upheld.
This case and the subsequent discussions highlight the need for greater awareness and education on gender-based violence in Kenya. It also calls for efforts to challenge and dismantle the toxic narratives perpetuated online. It is crucial to foster a society where women are not blamed for their own victimization and where men can learn to coexist with women as equals. Only then can we hope to address the root causes of femicide and gender-based violence in Kenya.
