Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday to denounce the rising incidence of femicide in Kenya, but were met with a violent police crackdown that left many injured and scattered.
The protesters, chanting “Stop femicide,” had gathered to highlight the alarming number of murders of women and girls in the country. Police responded with tear gas, leading to chaos on the streets.
“Our Lives Don’t Matter”
Julius Kamau, one of the protesters, expressed frustration at the government’s handling of gender-based violence.
“The constitution is very clear, and everyone must be faithful to the constitution of Kenya, including the police. They are chasing us like children. We are here to protest against the killing of people, women and girls. It is happening everywhere. Our lives don’t matter in this country. How long are we going to live like this?” Kamau said.
Women Demand Justice
Nancy Waithera, another protester, called on authorities to listen to women’s demands.
“We are begging you not to kill us. We came here for a reason, and they are teargassing everywhere. Women are scattered everywhere. It is very serious that the police are doing this. It is high time you listen to women. Stop killing us,” she said.
A Deepening Crisis
Kenya is grappling with a silent epidemic of gender-based violence. Police data shows that 97 women were killed between August and November 2024, most by their male partners. A recent UN report found that Africa has the highest rate of partner-related femicide in the world.
Last month, President William Ruto pledged $700,000 for a campaign to end femicide, but campaigners say concrete action is still lacking.
On Human Rights Day, the use of force against peaceful protesters was roundly criticized by rights groups, who questioned the commitment of law enforcement to addressing femicide cases.
A notable failure was the recent escape of a suspect from police custody after confessing to killing 42 women, leaving activists and the public outraged at systemic failings in the justice system.
Kenya’s election to the UN Human Rights Council in October has further heightened scrutiny over how the country addresses human rights issues, particularly gender-based violence.
The latest protest follows a series of similar demonstrations, including one on November 25, when police dispersed protesters with tear gas on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.