Criminological Patterns of Strangulation-Related Homicide in Nairobi, Kenya: Implications for Forensic Practice, Gender-Based Violence Prevention, and Future Research

Background: Strangulation is a relatively uncommon but highly lethal mechanism of homicide that is frequently associated with intimate partner violence, coercive control, and gender-based violence. Despite increasing global recognition of strangulation as a significant predictor of lethal violence, little research has examined its epidemiology and criminological characteristics in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the demographic, forensic, and criminological patterns of strangulation-related homicide in Nairobi, Kenya, using medico-legal autopsy data.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was conducted using autopsy records from Nairobi City Mortuary covering the period June 2009 to May 2010. A total of 2,278 violent deaths were reviewed, of which 990 were classified as homicides. Strangulation-related deaths were identified through forensic examination findings indicating fatal neck compression. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binomial proportion tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Strangulation accounted for 5 of 990 homicide cases (0.4%), yielding a crude prevalence rate of approximately 0.14 per 100,000 population. Females constituted 80% of victims, while males accounted for 20%. Most victims were aged 30–39 years. Statistical analysis demonstrated that strangulation was significantly less frequent than other homicide mechanisms (p < 0.001). Female victims were disproportionately represented among strangulation fatalities.
Discussion: Although rare, strangulation represents a distinct and highly gendered form of homicide. The predominance of female victims supports evidence linking strangulation to intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. The findings also highlight potential under-detection due to the subtle forensic presentation of many strangulation deaths.
Conclusion: Strangulation-related homicide in Nairobi is uncommon but strongly associated with female victimization and interpersonal violence. Improved forensic detection, integrated violence prevention strategies, and enhanced surveillance systems are required to better identify and prevent strangulation-related deaths.

Strangulation, Homicide, Forensic Pathology, Intimate Partner Violence

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