Kenyan police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against rising cases of femicide in the country. The protests, which took place in Nairobi and other cities, drew participants from diverse backgrounds, including women’s rights activists, students, and community leaders. The demonstrators marched to highlight the increasing number of violent killings targeting women and to demand immediate government action to address gender-based violence.
The Protest and Police Response
The march was organized in response to several high-profile cases of femicide that have shocked the nation in recent months. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Stop Killing Women” and “Justice for Victims,” while chanting slogans to raise awareness about the issue. The demonstration began peacefully but turned chaotic when police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, citing public order concerns.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic as protesters scrambled to avoid the tear gas, with some suffering minor injuries. Civil society groups condemned the police response, arguing that it infringed on the protesters’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The use of force, they said, undermines efforts to bring attention to the urgent issue of gender-based violence.
A Growing Crisis
Kenya has seen a surge in femicide cases, with women across the country falling victim to brutal attacks by intimate partners, acquaintances, and strangers. Human rights organizations have called for stronger measures to address this alarming trend, including stricter enforcement of laws against domestic violence, improved support services for survivors, and public education campaigns to challenge harmful societal norms.
According to recent statistics, gender-based violence in Kenya increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as economic hardships and lockdown measures exacerbated tensions within households. Activists argue that the government has been slow to respond, leaving many women vulnerable.
Calls for Action
Protesters demanded a multi-faceted approach to tackling femicide, including better protection for women at risk, swift justice for perpetrators, and funding for shelters and hotlines. They also called on the government to prioritize gender equality in its policies and programs to address the root causes of violence.
Broader Implications
The heavy-handed police response has sparked a national conversation about the rights of citizens to protest and the state’s obligation to protect them. Advocates for women’s rights stress that silencing voices calling for justice only deepens the problem. They urge the Kenyan government to engage constructively with activists and take concrete steps to end femicide, ensuring safety and dignity for all women.
