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Tensions flared in Nairobi, Kenya, when police used tear gas to break up protests highlighting the increasing cases of femicide across the country.
The demonstrations, led by activists and women’s rights groups, called for urgent action to address gender-based violence and protect women’s lives.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets, holding placards with messages such as “Being a woman should not be a death sentence” and “Stop killing us.” The protest, organized under the banner of the “Feminist March Against Femicide,” drew attention to the alarming rise in cases, with at least 14 women reported killed in gender-based violence incidents in 2024 alone. Advocates claim the real numbers could be much higher due to underreporting.
The march aimed to reach the Kenyan Parliament, but the gathering was disrupted as law enforcement used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The move drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations, who argued it undermined the peaceful nature of the protests and distracted from the urgent issue at hand.
Amnesty International’s Kenyan chapter released a statement condemning femicide as “the most brutal form of gender-based violence” and called for stronger laws, better enforcement, and more resources to tackle the problem. “It is unacceptable and must never be normalized,” the statement read.
High-profile cases have fueled public outrage. Recently, two women were found murdered in separate incidents after being targeted by individuals they met online. These cases, combined with longstanding reports of violence against women, have prompted a call for swift judicial reforms. Activists point to delays in prosecuting perpetrators, often due to an overwhelmed legal system, as a significant barrier to justice.
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Eric Theuri, the President of the Law Society of Kenya, joined the protests, emphasizing the need for structural changes. “The backlog in our courts emboldens perpetrators, knowing that justice is slow and, in many cases, inaccessible,” he said.
The demonstrations reflect a growing movement across Africa to end violence against women. Protesters hope their efforts will lead to stricter laws, better public awareness, and an end to a culture that tolerates violence against women. The government has pledged to investigate the recent femicide cases and strengthen protections, though activists remain skeptical about meaningful change without sustained pressure.
This developing story underscores the urgent need for action on gender violence, not just in Kenya but globally. It also highlights the critical role of advocacy and public outcry in driving systemic reform
