The busy streets of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, were the scene of a peaceful march against femicides that was unfortunately repressed by the police. As the protesters expressed their outrage at the violence against women, the police responded with tear gas and arrests, including that of the director of Amnesty International in Kenya.
This brutal repression raises important questions about the respect of fundamental freedoms and the right to peaceful protest. Indeed, police violence against protesters challenges the principles of democracy and freedom of expression enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution.
It is essential to highlight the importance of these protests in support of women’s rights, as femicide and domestic violence remain serious social scourges in many countries, including Kenya. Citizen mobilization is a vital way to raise awareness of these issues and demand concrete measures to protect women and end this unacceptable violence.
The authorities’ response to this march raises questions about the political will to effectively combat femicide and gender-based violence. It is crucial that governments take concrete measures to ensure women’s safety and punish the perpetrators of these heinous acts.
Ultimately, the repression of this march against femicide in Kenya highlights the persistent challenges faced by women’s rights defenders in their fight for equality and justice. It is essential that civil society, authorities and the population at large come together to end this violence and build a safer and more equal future for all.