Kenyan Police Fire Teargas At Protesters Marching Against Gender-Based Violence, Femicide
The protesters blew whistles and chanted “stop killing women” as they marched in the capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday, and the police repeatedly dispersed the crowds.
The Kenya police have reportedly used teargas to disperse hundreds of people who gathered to protest against gender-based violence and femicide.
The protesters blew whistles and chanted “stop killing women” as they marched in the capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday, and the police repeatedly dispersed the crowds.
The rally gathered pace as hundreds of women marched towards parliament, with many chanting, “shame on you” and “teach your sons.”
At least three people were arrested, the Reuters news agency reported.
The protests in Nairobi were peaceful and it was not immediately clear why the police intervened.
There was no immediate comment from the police.
Protests also took place in the cities of Mombasa and Lodwar, according to videos posted on social media.
Among those arrested in Nairobi was Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya.
The Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya released a joint statement condemning the police actions, saying it sent a “chilling message” to peaceful protesters.
“The violent response by police, including the arrest of these peaceful protesters, is a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens,” the statement said.
One activist, Mwikali Mueni, told The Associated Press that she suffered a neck injury at the hands of police officers.
“It is very sad that I was injured while championing for women not to be injured or killed. If the president is serious about ending femicide, let him start by taking action on the officers who have brutalised us today,” she said.
