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Nine people were yesterday arrested and scores injured in Nairobi after anti-riot police violently dispersed the ‘End Femicide’ demonstrations.

Peaceful protestors had taken to the streets to demand justice in the face of rising cases of femicide in various parts of the country as they marked the International Human Rights Day, before police in full anti-riot gear descended on them with batons and teargas canisters.

The #EndFemicideKe march, marking the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, had brought together women, human rights activists, and allies to raise awareness about the surge in femicide cases.

The protestors had gathered at Jeevanjee Gardens from where they were to march to the Judiciary headquarters to make their case against femicide.

Among those arrested were prominent activist Irungu Houghton.

Legal loopholes

In a joint statement, Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Human Is My ID Alliance, and the End Femicide KE Movement condemned the use of excessive force against unarmed protestors.

“The excessive force and unwarranted arrests send a chilling message to those advocating for justice and accountability. These actions undermine the rule of law and reinforce the impunity that perpetuates violence against women,” the organisations stated.

Their statement also highlighted that the arrests and violence not only violated the Constitution but also contravened international human rights laws. “Law enforcement must respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and guarantee the safety of demonstrators.”

The organisations outlined urgent demands including the immediate release of protestors arrested during the demos.

“The Inspector General of Police must initiate an independent investigation into the violent dispersal and unlawful arrests,” their statement read.

They also demanded justice for femicide victims and called upon the authorities to expedite investigations into the rising cases to ensure justice for victims and their families.

“The world is watching, the fight for women’s lives is a fight for the soul of our nation. Release the detained protestors, uphold your human rights obligations, and take immediate action to end femicide and police brutality,” they insisted.

In Murang’a, hundreds of youth turned up, calling for a review of the law to have those violating the rights of women face a harsher punishment.

Ann Wangui, the deputy coordinator of Murang’a Stars, a women rights group, said some suspects get off the hook because of loopholes in law that need to be sealed. As a result, she said, victims don’t get justice after their rights are violated which she termed as unacceptable.

“We need a firm law to have those assaulting and killing women severely punished,” she said, adding that the government needs to protect women’s rights.

Wangui said Murang’a had been ranked second among counties where GBV cases are prevalent.

Johnson Karugu, an activist, said femicide is a crime against society and there is need for concerted efforts to curb it. He, added that there is need for more awareness on GBV among men and women.

“Men are also suffering but they are not speaking out for fear of being ridiculed. It’s high time we get them a platform to speak out and get helped,” he said.

This is the second anti-femicide march this year. The first was held on January 27 across at least 11 counties across the country. The protest, which was sparked by a series of gruesome murders across the country, was not disrupted by police.