Kenyan police used tear gas to disperse anti-femicide protesters in Nairobi, marking a tense response to nationwide demonstrations highlighting the rising cases of gender-based violence. Protesters gathered in the Kenyan capital and other major cities, demanding government action against the alarming increase in femicide. These protests followed the murders of at least 16 women in a single month, many reportedly killed by intimate partners.
The protesters, led by feminist and human rights organizations, marched through major streets, blocking traffic in some areas. They carried placards with messages like “Stop killing us” and called for stronger legal measures to address gender-based violence. The demonstrations reflected widespread frustration over the perceived inaction of the government and law enforcement to stem violence against women. Critics pointed to gaps in Kenya’s judicial system, where slow processes and limited resources leave many perpetrators unpunished
Among the notable incidents fueling the unrest were the deaths of women in shocking circumstances, such as killings in short-term rental properties. These cases, along with hundreds of other femicide reports over the past few years, have sparked calls for legislative reforms. Protesters urged the government to introduce non-bailable charges for sexual and gender-based crimes, enforce strict penalties, and create a comprehensive data system to track and address such violence. Some protesters expressed anger at officials like Esther Passaris, Nairobi’s women’s representative, criticizing them for insufficient efforts to curb the crisis
Human rights groups have linked these killings to a broader failure of Kenya’s systems to protect women. They highlighted that many cases go unreported or unresolved, exacerbating the problem. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has urged the government to prioritize resources for investigations and victim support. Activists continue to demand the establishment of a special commission to address gender-based violence comprehensively
The use of tear gas and confrontational tactics against peaceful protesters has drawn condemnation from civil society, further intensifying calls for justice and reform. Activists maintain that the protests are a vital step in holding the government accountable for the safety and dignity of women in Kenya.