FIDA condemns rising sexual violence against women in protests
By Ascah Mwango, July 9, 2025The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya has condemned the rising cases of harassment, assault, and sexual violence against women and girls during the ongoing protests across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, FIDA Kenya Board Chairperson Christine Kungu painted a grim picture of the current state of the nation, citing disturbing reports and videos showing law enforcement officers attacking peaceful protesters, some of whom are women.
“We are staring at the precipice of anarchy in our beloved nation, and we must state it as it is. FIDA Kenya is angered; we are devastated at the reports and at the visuals that have flooded the media and social media platforms,” Kungu said.
She expressed shock at the actions of armed officers, some in plain clothes, using excessive force on unarmed civilians.
“We have seen viral footage of armed officers, some in plain clothes, carrying special weapons, shooting into crowds of unarmed protesters, following them into their houses. That is how low we have sunk as a country,” she added.
FIDA Kenya’s Executive Director, Ann Ireri, confirmed that they had received reports of sexual abuse, with 21 cases under investigation as of June.
However, she noted that the real number could be much higher due to the challenges survivors face when reporting such incidents.
“Even in ordinary circumstances, reporting cases of sexual violence is extremely difficult,” Ireri explained.
Adding;
“As of June, the cases we received are 21, which we are investigating to be able to isolate which ones were protest-related.”
She warned that the lawlessness seen during the recent crackdowns creates a dangerous environment, especially for vulnerable groups.
Call for investigations
FIDA Kenya is now urging authorities to take immediate action to protect the rights and safety of all Kenyans during protests. The organisation also called for the swift investigation and prosecution of officers and individuals responsible for any form of abuse.
“Remember, what we are seeing is a breakdown in law and order, and we are calling on the National Police Service to address it. Women, girls, and even boys are predisposed to sexual violence in any instance of anarchy,” Ireri stated.
The protests, which started as peaceful demonstrations by the youth over police brutality and have over the past weeks escalated into violent confrontations between civilians and the officers. Human rights organisations and medics have reported several deaths, injuries, and now, increasing cases of sexual violence.