Unveiling the Dark Side of Online Misogyny: The Kenyan Airbnb Murder and the Sinister Realm of Femicide

The brutal murder of a young Kenyan woman at an Airbnb has caused outrage and shed light on the violent online culture of misogyny in the country known as the "manosphere." The police investigation is ongoing, with the suspect still at large. Amnesty International Kenya executive director, Irungu Houghton, expressed shock and anger over the case, stating that another young woman had lost her life prematurely. This incident follows another murder of a socialite in an Airbnb in Nairobi just two weeks prior. Gender-based violence is a significant concern in Kenya, as evidenced by a national survey that revealed 34% of women experienced physical violence in 2022. The recent murder has exposed the dark side of Kenya's social media, specifically the "manosphere," where blame is placed on women for their own deaths. The manosphere refers to online platforms that promote masculinity while opposing feminism. Numerous comments on platforms such as Twitter have blamed the victims, leading to the trending hashtag "STOP KILLING WOMEN." Many internet users have expressed frustration and disbelief over the continued victim-blaming, emphasizing that the solution is for men to stop committing acts of violence against women. MP Esther Passaris acknowledges that victim-blaming is prevalent in Kenya due to its patriarchal society that marginalizes women and perpetuates derogatory language. This response from Kenyan men online is not uncommon, according to Mr. Houghton, who believes it highlights a broader culture of hostility towards women. One activist, Onyango Otieno, explains that derogatory language stems from men feeling threatened by the progress of feminism, as it challenges traditional gender roles. Many were not taught how to treat women as equals, leading to a struggle with changing societal norms. The "manosphere" becomes a platform for men to cling to the fading promise of patriarchy in this evolving world. It is clear that Kenyan society remains divided, with some endorsing victim-blaming and others condemning all men. The promotion of gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence will require a collective effort and shift in societal attitudes.