Kenyan police reportedly used tear gas to disperse a large crowd of protesters in Nairobi on Tuesday. The demonstrators, who had gathered to voice their opposition to gender-based violence and femicide, were seen blowing whistles and chanting slogans such as “stop killing women” as they marched through the capital city.
The protest intensified as hundreds of women made their way toward Parliament, calling out “shame on you” and “teach your sons.” Despite the peaceful nature of the rally, police repeatedly intervened, forcing the crowds to scatter. Reports indicated that at least three people were arrested during the demonstration.
The reasons for the police’s intervention remain unclear, and there has been no official statement from law enforcement.
Protests also took place in other Kenyan cities, including Mombasa and Lodwar, with videos of the demonstrations circulating on social media.
Among those arrested during the Nairobi protest was Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya. In response to the police actions, Amnesty International, along with the Law Society of Kenya, issued a joint statement condemning the use of force. The organizations argued that the police response was an alarming attack on the right to peaceful protest and on Kenya’s democratic principles.
“The violent response by police, including the arrest of these peaceful protesters, is a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens,” the statement read.
One activist, Mwikali Mueni, shared her experience with the Associated Press, explaining that she had suffered a neck injury due to police actions. “It is very sad that I was injured while championing for women not to be injured or killed. If the president is serious about ending femicide, let him start by taking action on the officers who have brutalized us today,” Mueni said.
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