Protests against gender-based violence and femicide erupted across Kenya, with hundreds gathering in Nairobi and other cities like Mombasa and Lodwar. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “stop killing women” and “teach your sons” as they marched peacefully toward Parliament. However, police dispersed the crowds using tear gas and arrested at least three people, including Amnesty International Kenya’s executive director, Irungu Houghton. Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya condemned the police actions as a violation of democratic principles and human rights.
The protests come amid alarming statistics on femicide in Kenya, with at least 97 women killed between August and October this year, according to the National Police Service. Gender-based violence is a longstanding issue, with one in three Kenyan women reportedly experiencing abuse by age 18, often at the hands of male partners or relatives. Researchers cite patriarchal norms and inadequate legal protections as significant contributors to the crisis. President William Ruto recently allocated over $700,000 to combat femicide and called the violence “tragic and unacceptable,” but protesters are demanding stronger actions and accountability.
Criticism of police brutality during protests remains a contentious issue in Kenya, as law enforcement has faced backlash for its heavy-handed tactics. Activists like Mwikali Mueni, who sustained injuries during the rally, called on the government to address police violence alongside femicide. Protesters argue that meaningful change requires not only financial commitments but also systemic reforms to protect women and uphold human rights.
