Tear gas and arrests at march against femicide in Kenya
Peaceful demonstration violently repressed
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, a peaceful march against femicides in Nairobi, Kenya, was brutally interrupted by police. Tear gas grenades were fired at the protesters, mostly young women, and several people were arrested, according to journalists on the scene and human rights organizations.
The protest was aimed at denouncing violence against women and demanding urgent action against femicide. The mobilization followed a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which recorded 97 murders of women in the last three months.
A muscular police response
Nairobi’s central business district (CBD), where the rally took place, was the scene of a heavy police presence. Heavily armed and plainclothes officers made numerous arrests, particularly targeting protesters wearing t-shirts emblazoned with anti-femicide slogans.
“The government is part of the problem. There is no reason to send armed police against people carrying placards,” said Koneli, a 38-year-old protester.
Despite being dispersed several times by tear gas, the rally continued to grow in intensity, bringing together several hundred women who chanted slogans such as “Shame on you!” and “Educate your sons!” The protesters headed towards parliament, expressing their anger at the authorities’ inaction.
Damning testimonies
A 22-year-old woman reported that police specifically targeted those wearing protest messages on their clothing.
“We are not violent, we are here to defend women’s rights,” said one protester, Akinyi, before being sprayed with tear gas.
An alarming context
The recent release of femicide statistics by the KNCHR has sparked outrage. In response, Kenyan President William Ruto called the situation “tragic and unacceptable” in a speech to parliament, while calling on Kenyan society to address the issue of gender-based violence.
Condemnation of police actions
Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya condemned the police crackdown, calling it an attack on fundamental rights.
“The violent police response, including the arrest of peaceful protesters, sends a chilling message to citizens exercising their democratic right to protest,” they said in a joint statement.
Conclusion: A call to action
The violent repression of the march highlights the need for concrete action to protect women’s rights and ensure democratic freedoms in Kenya. Faced with the urgency of the situation, protesters and human rights organizations are calling for a strengthened government response to end impunity and prevent further femicides.
