The handling of anti-femicide protests in Kenya on International Human Rights Day has sparked widespread condemnation, with critics highlighting the use of excessive force by the police. The protests, aimed at drawing attention to the increasing cases of femicide in the country, were marred by the teargassing and arrest of peaceful demonstrators.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo termed the police response “quite unfortunate,” acknowledging the mishandling of the protests. Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, Omollo expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing that it represented deeper challenges in Kenya’s policing framework.
“Things did not go right,” Omollo admitted. “The teargassing and arresting of the protesters was unacceptable. We have had talks with the Inspector General of Police, and it is regrettable. It is something that should not have happened in the first place.”
The protests had been organized to highlight the surging cases of femicide in Kenya and to call for accountability and justice for victims. Despite the importance of the cause, the heavy-handed police response has overshadowed the message, raising concerns about the state of human rights in Kenya.
International and Local Criticism
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi added its voice to the growing criticism, calling the police actions concerning. In a statement, the embassy reiterated the importance of safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly.
“It is regrettable and concerning to see police action against Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully. On International Human Rights Day and every day, the United States supports efforts to #EndFemicideKE and protect the human rights of all people,” the embassy stated.
Local organizations, including Amnesty Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya, also condemned the police actions, describing them as a direct affront to Kenya’s democratic principles.
In a joint statement, the groups criticized the excessive force used by the police, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and embolden impunity.
“The excessive force and unwarranted arrests not only violate national and international human rights laws but also send a chilling message to all those advocating for justice and accountability. These actions undermine the rule of law and reinforce the impunity that perpetuates violence against women,” the statement read.
A Cry for Justice
The demonstrators, largely comprised of activists and survivors of gender-based violence, had hoped to use the day to amplify their call for urgent action to address femicide, a growing crisis in Kenya. According to reports, over 100 women have been victims of femicide in the country this year alone. Activists argue that the lack of accountability for perpetrators has perpetuated this violence.
Tuesday’s protests were intended to remind authorities of their duty to protect all citizens and to push for stronger mechanisms to combat gender-based violence. Instead, the response by law enforcement has drawn attention to the systemic issues within the country’s policing, including the use of excessive force and disregard for fundamental freedoms.
Moving Forward
The backlash from both local and international actors has reignited conversations about the need for police reforms in Kenya. Critics argue that the culture of impunity within the police force must be addressed to restore public trust and protect democratic rights.
Omollo, while acknowledging the failure of the police in this instance, highlighted the importance of the anti-femicide protests, saying they underscored a pressing national concern. “The country has been having a series of concerns about the increased incidents of femicide, and such marches are crucial for creating awareness and pushing for change,” he said.
As the dust settles on Tuesday’s events, activists and human rights defenders are doubling down on their calls for justice, not only for the victims of femicide but also for those whose rights were violated during the protests. They insist that meaningful action from the government, including comprehensive investigations and accountability for the officers involved, is necessary to restore public confidence.
The protests may have been disrupted, but the message remains clear: the fight against femicide and for human rights in Kenya will continue, despite the challenges.
