Fighting Femicide or Fear? KHRC Criticizes Police for Protest Clampdown

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the police for violently disrupting anti-femicide protests in Nairobi on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.

In a scathing statement, KHRC highlighted the excessive force used by law enforcement, including the deployment of plainclothed officers, live ammunition, and teargas, despite a court order barring such actions. The clash left several protestors injured and others arrested.

“This brazen violation of human rights contrasts sharply with President William Ruto’s recent pledge of Sh100 million to combat femicide. Ironically, his administration has failed to protect the most fundamental mechanism for advancing women’s rights—peaceful protest,” KHRC stated.

The protest, organized to draw attention to the alarming rise in femicides, comes on the heels of a report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations revealing that 97 women were murdered between August and October 2024. KHRC contends that the actual numbers could be much higher.

KHRC has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters and legal action against officers involved in the violent crackdown.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Amnesty Kenya also condemned the police’s actions. LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized the force for targeting peaceful demonstrators instead of focusing on ending the femicide crisis.

“There is absolutely no justification for attacking harmless Kenyans agitating for women’s protection when femicide is a national emergency. The police must channel their energy into combating atrocities, not perpetuating them,” Odhiambo stated.

In a joint statement, LSK and Amnesty Kenya described the incident as a “grave violation of human rights principles,” emphasizing the irony of such actions occurring on a day meant to celebrate dignity, freedom, and equality.

The police crackdown has sparked outrage among civil society organizations and the public, amplifying calls for justice and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.