The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and several human rights organizations have condemned the use of tear gas and the arrest of anti-femicide protestors in Nairobi.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, December 10, LSK, alongside Amnesty International, Human is My ID Alliance, and the End Femicide KE Movement, called for the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested demonstrators.
The groups also demanded that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja initiate an independent investigation into the violence and unlawful arrests that marred the peaceful protest.
“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 violent response by police is a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens,” read part of the statement.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized the police for using excessive force on peaceful demonstrators, noting that such actions have become a recurring issue.
“There is absolutely no justification for attacking, arresting, and interfering with harmless Kenyans agitating for the protection of women, especially when the threat of violence against women is, ostensibly, a national crisis. The police must refocus their energy on ending and fighting atrocities, not perpetuating them,” Odhiambo stated.
The statement also emphasized the need for law enforcement to respect constitutional rights and urged authorities to expedite investigations into cases of femicide, which have sparked public outrage in recent months.
The protest comes in the wake of a 16-day anti-femicide campaign launched by President William Ruto on November 20. Dubbed the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and offer support to survivors.
The campaign, spearheaded by women leaders in government, aims to educate the public on recognizing signs of GBV and accessing safe spaces and support services.
However, LSK and its partners argue that the violent crackdown on protestors undermines the spirit of such campaigns.
“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,” the statement added.
The rights groups reiterated their demand for justice for femicide victims and accountability for perpetrators. They also urged the government to align its actions with its public commitments to ending violence against women.
The protestors, who gathered to demand urgent action on the growing cases of femicide in Kenya, were reportedly peaceful until police disrupted the demonstrations with tear gas and arrests.
The LSK and its partners vowed to continue pushing for reforms to ensure that such injustices are addressed, and constitutional rights are upheld.
