New Delhi, June 2 -- Hundreds of women marched in Kenya 's capital Monday to call for the government to urgently investigate what advocacy groups say is an increase in killings and other violence against women.

Women's rights organizations have urged the government to declare gender-based violence a national crisis, and have seized on the recent killing of a singer who was doused with gasoline and set on fire to mobilize support.

The women walked under police escort through the streets of Nairobi carrying a coffin and holding placards saying "Stop Killing Women." The protesters also sought to raise awareness about reports of a recent rise in the disappearances of children. Gender Minister Hannah Wendot last week called for prompt invest...