Kenyan police fired teargas and arrested several people on Tuesday as hundreds marched in Nairobi and other cities to protest the rising number of femicides. The peaceful demonstrators called for justice and accountability in a country grappling with high levels of gender-based violence.
The protest in Nairobi saw hundreds, mostly women, chant and blow whistles while carrying signs that read, “Stop killing women!” Police repeatedly dispersed the demonstrators with teargas fired from moving vehicles, forcing them to regroup in different areas. Similar demonstrations were reported in Mombasa and Lodwar, as shown in videos posted on social media.
Arrests Amid Peaceful Demonstrations
Among those detained was Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya. Amnesty, along with three other organizations, condemned the arrests in a joint statement, describing the protest as “a courageous stand against the killing of women.”
“The violent response by police … is a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens,” the statement said.
The National Police Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving the reasons for the police crackdown unclear.
Alarming Rise in Femicide
According to the National Police Service, at least 97 women were victims of femicide between August and October 2023. While no official comparative data was provided for earlier years, figures compiled by the Africa Data Hub collective show 75 femicides in 2022 and 46 in 2021. Researchers attribute the high levels of gender-based violence in Kenya to deeply entrenched patriarchal views and inadequate legal protections.
Broader Police Conduct Under Scrutiny
Kenya’s police have faced growing criticism for their responses to public demonstrations, including anti-government protests in June and July, where at least 60 people were killed. While authorities have largely defended police actions, they have acknowledged ongoing investigations into allegations of misconduct.
The crackdown on Tuesday’s peaceful march has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and activists. Many argue it underscores the need for greater accountability and reform in Kenya’s approach to both gender-based violence and public dissent.