Kenyan police clashed with protesters in Nairobi on Tuesday as they marched to demand action against femicides. Police fired teargas and made at least three arrests, including that of Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya.
The protest, organized by several hundred people, primarily women, was a response to the increasing number of femicides in the country. Protesters chanted, “Stop killing women!” while blowing whistles as they marched through the capital. However, they were met with repeated dispersal attempts by police, who fired teargas from moving vehicles.
Similar demonstrations were held in Mombasa and Lodwar, with videos shared on social media showing the protests. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, the reason for the police intervention remains unclear. The national police spokesperson has yet to comment on the situation.
Amnesty International Kenya and three other organizations condemned the police’s actions, describing the protest as a courageous stand against the killings and a demand for justice. The organizations criticized the violent response as a violation of democratic principles and human rights.
Between August and October, at least 97 women were killed in femicides, according to the National Police Service. The figures for earlier periods are not readily available, but reports compiled by the Africa Data Hub collective indicate there were at least 75 femicides in 2022 and 46 in 2021.
Researchers point to entrenched patriarchal views and inadequate legal protections as key factors contributing to the high levels of gender-based violence in Kenya.
