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ToggleKenyan Police Use Teargas Against Protesters Marching Against Femicide
Kenyan police fired teargas and arrested several individuals on Tuesday as peaceful demonstrations erupted in Nairobi and other cities against a rising wave of femicides. The protests, held on the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, brought attention to alarming statistics and inadequate action by authorities.
Protest Against Femicide in Kenya
The protests aimed to spotlight the growing cases of femicide in Kenya, with activists demanding justice for victims. Hundreds of demonstrators, predominantly women, marched through Nairobi’s streets, holding placards and chanting slogans such as “Stop killing women!” However, the police disrupted the peaceful gatherings using teargas and detained at least three people.
Human rights activists reported that the protests also spread to Mombasa and Lodwar. Videos shared on social media showed demonstrators regrouping after being dispersed, reflecting their determination. Among those arrested was Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, whose detention sparked outrage among civil rights organizations.
The National Police Service did not provide an immediate comment on their heavy-handed response, leaving many questioning the justification for targeting peaceful protesters. Activists emphasized that the march sought accountability for perpetrators and urgent measures to combat femicide.
Rising Femicide in Kenya
Femicide in Kenya has reached alarming levels, with at least 97 women murdered between August and October 2024, according to the National Police Service. The data highlights a sharp increase compared to previous years. In 2022, 75 femicides were recorded, while 2021 saw 46 cases, as documented by Africa Data Hub.
Experts attribute this rise to entrenched patriarchal norms, insufficient legal protections, and ineffective enforcement of existing laws. Despite promises from the government to address gender-based violence, activists argue that systemic changes are yet to be implemented.
High-profile cases of femicide, such as the deaths of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei and Kenyan Olympian Agnes Tirop, underscore the issue’s urgency. Their tragic stories have drawn attention to the need for tougher laws and more robust systems to protect women.
Police Response to Femicide Protests
The police response to the protests has drawn widespread criticism. Amnesty International Kenya, along with other human rights groups, condemned the arrests and use of force, labeling it a violation of democratic principles.
Amnesty International stated, “This protest was a courageous stand against the killing of women, a demand for urgency in investigating these murders, and a call for perpetrators to be held accountable.” The organization called for the immediate release of those detained, including Houghton.
Protest organizers revealed that authorities had denied their request for a permit to hold the march. One activist, Njeri Migwi, expressed frustration, saying, “We asked for permission, but they refused, claiming the government had already allocated funds to tackle the issue.”
Government Initiatives on Femicide in Kenya
In November, President William Ruto pledged $800,000 to support the Safe Home, Safe Space campaign aimed at combating gender-based violence. However, activists argue that financial commitments must be accompanied by actionable policies and consistent enforcement to make a tangible impact.
The government’s response to gender-based violence has been criticized as insufficient, with many cases going unresolved. The lack of accountability for perpetrators and inadequate victim support systems exacerbate the crisis.
Women’s rights organizations continue to push for stronger legislation and greater awareness, emphasizing that systemic change requires collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and communities.
High-Profile Femicide Cases
The recent surge in femicide cases has brought attention to several tragic incidents. In September, Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan athlete, was killed by her boyfriend in a brutal attack involving land ownership disputes. She succumbed to burns covering 75% of her body after being set on fire.
Similarly, in 2022, Kenyan athlete Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death by her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, who is currently in custody. Tirop’s death came just a month after she set a world record in the 10km road race, making her loss deeply felt within the athletics community.
The unresolved murder of British national Kate Mitchell in Nairobi also highlights the broader issue of violence against women. Despite promises of investigations, justice remains elusive in many such cases.
Advocacy and Public Outrage
Tuesday’s protests were part of a larger advocacy movement aimed at ending violence against women. Activists have held similar demonstrations in the past, including a peaceful march in January 2024. However, this year’s protests were marked by police interference, raising concerns about the shrinking space for civic engagement.
Organizers have called for greater accountability and transparency in handling femicide cases. They also demand that law enforcement agencies prioritize the safety of women and allocate resources toward preventive measures.
Public outrage continues to grow, with citizens questioning why gender-based violence persists despite awareness campaigns and government commitments. Activists urge the public to remain vocal and engaged to pressure authorities into taking decisive action.
Call for Justice and Change
Femicide in Kenya is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of societal and systemic failures. As the 16 Days of Activism draws to a close, the focus remains on sustaining momentum to address this pressing issue. Activists emphasize that achieving justice requires collective action, from community awareness to institutional reforms.
The protests and the subsequent police response have reignited discussions about women’s rights and the need for a safer society. The challenge now lies in translating public outrage into policy changes that can effectively curb femicide. The fight against femicide is a fight for these fundamental rights, and it must remain a priority for everyone.
