NAIROBI, Kenya — On Tuesday, police in the Kenyan capital deployed tear gas against hundreds of demonstrators protesting against gender-based violence and the alarming rates of femicide, which refers to the targeted killing of women. An uncertain number of individuals were arrested as anger flared in response to the government’s handling of the issue.
The protesters, who rallied with slogans like “Stop femicide,” were initially gathered in a public park in Nairobi before being forced to retreat by police, leading to clashes on the streets. Reports confirmed that several individuals sustained injuries during the violent encounters.
One activist named Mwikali Mueni recounted her injuries, stating that she suffered a neck wound inflicted by uniformed police while she was advocating for women’s safety. Mueni expressed her disillusionment, claiming that her injury occurred while fighting for the protection of women, urging the president to take accountability for the police brutality witnessed that day. “If the president is serious about ending femicide, let him start by taking action on the officers who have brutalized us today,” she declared.
Kenya is grappling with a pervasive crisis of gender-based violence. In a statement made by police in October, it was revealed that 97 women had been murdered since August, with the majority of these crimes committed by their male partners. In a move intended to address this urgent situation, President William Ruto announced a commitment of over $700,000 to a campaign aimed at eradicating femicide. This announcement came on the heels of discussions with elected female officials.
A United Nations report published in November coinciding with the beginning of a global 16-day campaign against violence against women highlighted Africa’s alarming statistics, revealing that the continent recorded the highest rates of partner-related femicide for 2023. This has prompted a wave of protests across Kenya, including a notable demonstration on November 25 during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, where participants were met with tear gas even amidst adverse weather conditions.
Among other developments, Kenya was elected to the U.N. Human Rights Council on October 9, reflecting its increasing role in international discussions on human rights issues. However, the police’s violent suppression of peaceful protesters on Tuesday, which coincided with Human Rights Day, drew sharp criticism from various activists.
“Why are we being beaten and tear-gassed, yet we are peaceful? We will keep coming to the streets till the day women will stop being slaughtered like animals,” asserted activist Mariam Chande, voicing her frustrations to reporters. Moreover, activists expressed deep concern regarding law enforcement’s handling of femicide cases, especially in light of a recent incident where a suspect, who admitted to killing 42 women, managed to escape from police custody. This suspect’s criminal acts were brought to light after dismembered bodies were discovered hidden in plastic bags and discarded in a submerged quarry.
