International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya-Chapter has stated that the organisation has received at least 21 cases of sexual violence since June and called upon any victim of the protest to report their cases. 

Speaking in Nairobi on July 9, 2025, FIDA officials strongly condemned the escalating violence, police brutality and sexual violence reported during the recent anti-government protests across the country. 

The lawyers’ lobby is calling for urgent accountability and justice for victims, while criticising the continued defiance of court orders by security agencies. 

FIDA-Kenya Executive Director Anne Ireri explained that in less than a month their organisation has received many rape cases that happened during the protest, many of which are under investigation to determine if they are protest-related. 

“Even in ordinary circumstances, reporting cases of sexual violence is very difficult. You can imagine how much harder it is during protests,” Ireri said. 

Breakdown in order 

She also expressed deep concern over the ‘breakdown in order’, saying that women, girls, and even boys are increasingly predisposed to sexual violence in the ongoing civil unrest.

She also explained that this is a direct threat to women who have been participating in the protests. 

“The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported incidences of sexual violence during the June 25 protests; including rape, gang rape, and attempted rape. criminal gangs were using sexual violence deliberately to intimidate women protesters and diminish female participation in the protests,” she said. 

She explained that these incidents reflect the disproportionate risk and trauma that women and girls face during public unrest.

“We have seen, as recently as yesterday, cases where mothers were riding in the same vehicles as their deceased children. That is trauma that can never be compensated fully,” Ireri lamented. 

Compensation for victims 

FIDA is documenting every incident through the sector-wide Justice Reform Working Group, with a view to pursuing both justice and compensation for victims and their families. 

Christine Kungu, the Chairperson of FIDA-Kenya, reiterated the outcry and painted a grim picture of the consequences of police response to recent protests on June 18, June 25, and July 7, 2025 (Saba Saba Day).

She confirmed that at least 50 lives have been lost, citing figures from civil society, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and the media.

Among the victims who died is 12-year-old Bridget Wainaina, who was hit by a stray bullet while inside her home compound. 

“No parent should have to bury a child to stand up for their future. No citizen should pay for a peaceful protest with their blood,” Kungu said. 

She condemned the deployment of masked and plain-clothed police officers in defiance of court orders and the use of razor wire to block public roads.

“We are staring at the precipice of anarchy in our beloved nation,” she warned. 

FIDA also cited viral videos showing armed police officers firing live bullets into crowds and invading homes, as well as gang-like groups brutalising citizens in full view of police.

Kungu referred to the July 6, 2025, invasion of a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission offices, where women, journalists, and staff were attacked.