By : Lloyd Mahachi
Hundreds of people, mostly women, marched in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, to protest against the rising cases of femicide in the country. They were demanding an end to gender-based violence, which has become a major concern in Kenya.
The protesters blew whistles and chanted “Stop killing women!” as they marched through the streets of Nairobi. They were peaceful, but the police intervened, firing teargas at the protesters and arresting at least three people.
It’s not clear why the police intervened, as the national police spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. The police action was widely condemned, with many saying it was an overreaction.
Among those arrested was Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya. Amnesty International condemned the police action, saying it was a “direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens.”
The protests were part of a nationwide march called “End Femicide Kenya,” which aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and pressure the government to implement stricter laws and policies.
The march was held in response to the rising cases of femicides in Kenya, with at least 97 women killed between August and October. This is a worrying trend, and many are calling for urgent action to be taken.
Researchers say that patriarchal views and insufficient legal protections are major factors behind Kenya’s high levels of gender-based violence. This means that women are often not protected by the law, and are vulnerable to abuse and violence.
The police have faced criticism for their actions during previous protests, including anti-government protests in June and July, when at least 60 people were killed. The authorities have defended the police response, but investigators are looking into allegations of misconduct.
The protesters in Nairobi were undeterred by the police action, regrouping and continuing their march after being dispersed. They were determined to make their voices heard and to demand action from the government.
Protests also took place in other cities, including Mombasa and Lodwar, with videos of the protests shared on social media. The “End Femicide Kenya” march was a courageous stand against gender-based violence, demanding urgency in investigating murders and calling for perpetrators to be held accountable.
The marchers want the government to take action to prevent further killings and ensure justice for the victims and their families. They are calling for stricter laws and policies to protect women and girls from violence.
The government has promised to take action, but many are skeptical. They say that the government has made promises before, but has failed to deliver. The protesters are determined to keep pushing for change and to make sure that the government takes action to end femicide in Kenya.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
