This protest was a courageous stand against the killing of women, a demand for urgency in investigating these murders, and a call for perpetrators to be held accountable. It is a vital exercise of the constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble, demonstrate, and petition, as outlined in Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution,”- Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, the Human is My ID Alliance, and the End Femicide KE Movement
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, was among several individuals arrested during a peaceful protest calling on the government to end femicide in the country. The demonstration, led predominantly by women and their allies, was met with violent police dispersal, including tear gas and arrests of the participants.
“This protest was a courageous stand against the killing of women, a demand for urgency in investigating these murders, and a call for perpetrators to be held accountable. It is a vital exercise of the constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble, demonstrate, and petition, as outlined in Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution,” said a joint statement from Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, the Human is My ID Alliance, and the End Femicide KE Movement.
The statement condemned the excessive use of force and the unwarranted arrests, stressing that the police’s violent response was a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and citizens’ human rights. The organizations called for the immediate release of the detained protestors and urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to initiate an independent investigation into the incident.
Further, the groups demanded faster investigations into femicide cases, with a focus on ensuring justice for victims and accountability for those who commit these violent acts. They emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to respect constitutional rights and protect peaceful demonstrators.
“We stand in solidarity with the brave individuals who marched today, despite the violence they faced. Their actions reflect the urgent need to address femicide, protect women, and ensure accountability for those who perpetuate violence,” the statement continued.
In response to the growing concern over femicide, police recently reported 97 femicide cases in just three months, with many victims found in alarming circumstances such as dumpsites and quarries, often killed by intimate partners. In November, President William Ruto pledged Ksh100 million towards the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign, a 16-day initiative aimed at combating gender-based violence and addressing femicide across the country.
