On International Human Rights Day, a significant demonstration in Nairobi turned violent as police resorted to teargas and arrests against peaceful protesters marching against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. The 16 Days of Activism against GBV ended on December 10, 2024, with a march aimed at raising awareness about the increasing cases of femicide and GBV in Kenya. However, the event was marred by police action that sparked outrage among activists, human rights organizations, and the public.
The March and its Objectives
The demonstration, which took place in Nairobi’s central business district, was a culmination of the 16 Days of Activism, an annual global campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10. The campaign is designed to eliminate violence against women and girls, emphasizing the severe impacts of gender-based violence on communities. The march was organized by a coalition of women’s rights groups, human rights activists, and allies who came together to call for an end to femicide and GBV. The participants included women, youth, and human rights defenders from various sectors of society, all demanding change.
The protesters marched peacefully, carrying placards and banners with messages condemning femicide and calling for justice for victims of gender-based violence. Their voices echoed through the streets of Nairobi, demanding that the government take action to protect women and prosecute perpetrators of violence. As the march reached its conclusion, it was intended to be a peaceful gathering to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in combating GBV.
Police Response: Teargas and Arrests
However, the peaceful protest quickly turned chaotic as police intervened with teargas, dispersing the crowd and making arrests. Eyewitnesses reported that the police responded aggressively to what was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration, targeting protesters with teargas and making arbitrary arrests. Among those arrested was Houghton Irungu, the Executive Director of Amnesty International in Kenya, who was detained despite his prominent role in advocating for human rights. His arrest was captured on video, showing him being bundled into a police vehicle by plain-clothed officers amid the protests by other demonstrators.
Amnesty International condemned the police action in the strongest terms, describing the response as a violation of international human rights principles. “On this International Human Rights Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and upholding the dignity, freedom, and rights of all people, we witnessed a grave violation of these very principles,” Amnesty International stated in a release. “Peaceful protestors in Nairobi, predominantly women and allies, marching against the epidemic of femicide were teargassed, violently dispersed, and unlawfully arrested by police,” the organization said. They further demanded the immediate release of all detained protesters and called for accountability for the police actions.
The Law Society of Kenya also condemned the police action, emphasizing that there is no justification for attacking, arresting, and interfering with peaceful Kenyans advocating for women’s protection. “The Police must refocus their energy on ending and fighting atrocities, not perpetuating them,” said Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya. “We support ending femicide, and we support all the brave Kenyans who came out today to call for the overdue change,” she added.
Broader Implications and Global Reactions
The heavy-handed police response to the anti-femicide march underscores the challenges faced by women’s rights activists in Kenya. It highlights the persistent issue of gender-based violence and the need for systemic changes to protect women and girls from violence. The actions of the police also reflect broader concerns about the state’s approach to public demonstrations, particularly those focused on human rights issues. Amnesty International’s condemnation of the police’s response resonated globally, with calls from international human rights organizations for a review of how Kenyan authorities handle such protests.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to end gender-based violence in Kenya and around the world. The demonstration in Nairobi was not just about marking the end of a campaign; it was about the lived experiences of women and girls who face violence daily. The protest was a call for justice, accountability, and change, and it is clear that more needs to be done to protect women from violence in Kenya.
The response from the government and law enforcement will be closely watched in the coming days. There is a growing consensus among rights groups that peaceful protests should not be met with violence. As the country commemorates Human Rights Day, there is a renewed commitment among activists and the public to push for policy changes that protect women from gender-based violence. The fight against femicide is far from over, and the international community continues to stand with those demanding justice and protection for women in Kenya.
This incident in Nairobi is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the battle against GBV, and it emphasizes the critical need for a change in approach by both the state and society to address this issue effectively. The protests will likely set the stage for further action and solidarity among activists as they seek to ensure that the government takes meaningful steps to protect women from violence and abuse.
