Police officers in Nairobi on Monday used teargas to disperse a group of demonstrators rallying against the alarming rise in femicide cases across the country. The protesters, who had begun assembling in the Central Business District (CBD), were forced to flee as officers moved to break up the gathering.
The demonstration, organized by several human rights organizations and activists, sought to draw attention to the increasing number of violent deaths of women in Kenya. Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “Stop Killing Women” and “Justice for Femicide Victims,” and demanded swift action from the government to address the crisis.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd was peaceful, chanting slogans and calling for justice when police arrived to disperse them. “We are here to demand accountability for the lives of our mothers, sisters, and daughters,” said one protester, who identified herself as Ruth. “Instead of listening to us, they are silencing us with violence.”
The protest follows several high-profile femicide cases that have gripped the nation, sparking widespread outrage. Activists accuse authorities of failing to adequately investigate and prosecute perpetrators, leaving many cases unresolved.
Efforts to reach Nairobi County Police Commander for comment were unsuccessful, but a source within the force suggested the dispersal was due to the protest lacking the required legal clearance.
Despite the crackdown, organizers vowed to continue their fight against femicide, stating that they will not be deterred by intimidation. “We will not stop until every woman is safe, and every victim gets justice,” another protester declared.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with many Kenyans taking to social media to condemn the police action and express solidarity with the protesters.
As femicide cases continue to rise, the government faces mounting pressure to prioritize women’s safety and implement effective measures to prevent gender-based violence.
