Police have arrested several people who went to Nairobi CBD to take part in the End Femicide protests.
The police also lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse a crowd as the planned peaceful march was gaining momentum in CBD.
Earlier, several protesters, the majority being women, had assembled around Jevanjee Gardens, chanting “End femicide” slogans.
However, the police fired tear gas at the gathering, forcing participants to scatter for safety. Many protesters sought refuge in nearby buildings to avoid the tear gas.
Police disrupt End Femicide Protests in CBD
Despite this, they remained undeterred, continuing to chant anti-femicide slogans from their temporary shelters.
Plainclothes police officers were also seen arresting individuals, bundling them into police vehicles, and confiscating placards with messages against femicide.
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Among the notable people arrested was the Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, who was arrested in the CBD alongside other protesters.
Amnesty and LSK condemn police actions
“This protest was a courageous stand against the killing of women, a demand for urgency in investigating these murders, and a call for perpetrators to be held accountable. It is a vital exercise of the constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble, demonstrate, and petition, as outlined in Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution.
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The violent response by police, including the arrest of these peaceful protestors, is a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens,” the statement read.
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The Law Society of Kenya, through its President, Faith Odhiambo, has condemned the actions of the police, stating that they must refocus their energy on fighting and ending atrocities instead of perpetuating them.
“The habit of violent responses by police to Kenyans exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate and picket is increasingly becoming incorrigible. There is absolutely no justification for attacking, arresting, or interfering with harmless Kenyans advocating for the protection of women, especially when the threat of violence against women is, ostensibly, a national crisis.
We support ending femicide, and we stand with all the brave Kenyans who came out today to demand the long-overdue change,” her statement read.
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