In December 2024, Kenya witnessed a significant yet tumultuous demonstration against femicide and gender-based violence. On December 10, hundreds of protesters, predominantly women, gathered in Nairobi's central business district to voice their outrage over the alarming rise in femicides. The march coincided with International Human Rights Day, underscoring the urgency of addressing women's rights and safety.
The Protest and Its Disruption
The demonstrators commenced their march from Jeevanjee Gardens, proceeding towards Parliament Buildings. They chanted slogans such as "Stop femicide" and "Stop killing women," aiming to draw attention to the escalating violence against women in the country. However, their peaceful procession was met with unexpected resistance. Police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in chaotic scenes as protesters fled to nearby areas, including Naivas Supermarket and City Market. Several individuals were arrested, among them Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya. citeturn0news12
Government and Public Response
The government's reaction to the incident was mixed. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo expressed regret over the police's actions, describing them as "unfortunate and unacceptable." He acknowledged the importance of the protests in raising awareness about femicide and stated that investigations were underway, promising accountability for those found culpable. citeturn0search2
International bodies also voiced their concerns. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi condemned the use of tear gas against peaceful protesters, emphasizing support for Kenyans' constitutional rights to assemble and protest. They called the police's actions "regrettable and concerning," especially given the day's significance in human rights advocacy. citeturn0search0
Context of Femicide in Kenya
The protest shed light on the grim statistics surrounding femicide in Kenya. Between August and October 2024, at least 97 women were killed in gender-related murders, marking a troubling increase from previous years. Researchers attribute these high levels of gender-based violence to entrenched patriarchal views and insufficient legal protections for women. citeturn0news12
Human Rights Organizations' Stance
Human rights organizations were swift in their condemnation of the police's heavy-handed tactics. They described the use of tear gas and arrests of peaceful demonstrators as a severe violation of democratic principles and human rights. The groups called for the immediate release of detained protesters and demanded independent investigations into the police's conduct. citeturn0search1
Ongoing Struggle and Future Outlook
Despite the disruptions, activists remain resolute in their fight against femicide and gender-based violence. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for systemic change to protect women's rights and ensure justice for victims. As investigations into the police's actions continue, the resilience of Kenyan women and their allies highlights a collective determination to address and eradicate gender-based violence in the country.
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