Plain-Clothed Police Arrest End Femicide Protesters in Nairobi CBD(Video)
Protestors who assembled in Nairobi on Tuesday morning to denounce the rising cases of femicide in Kenya faced a teargas attack by police within the city’s central business district.
Videos and images shared on Gossipa2z.com depict billowing clouds of smoke from teargas canisters deployed by law enforcement to disperse the demonstrators.
This pivotal march, coinciding with the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), united women, human rights defenders, and allies to spotlight the surge in femicide cases that have troubled the nation in recent months.
The ‘EndFemicideKe’ X account, a key organizer of the protest, confirmed the incident and encouraged affected participants to contact their emergency hotline for support.
“We categorically denounce this violation of our right to peaceful demonstrations for justice,” read a statement from the group.
Social media updates indicated that Naivas Supermarket and City Market were also targeted with teargas during the unrest.
Media figure Adelle Onyango provided an update, revealing that Jeevanjee Gardens—the intended starting point for the march—was abandoned after police officers disrupted the gathering with teargas.
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“Just arrived at Jivanjee. Hearing that officers scattered everyone. The Subaru boys are here claiming we shouldn’t gather because ‘it’s Christmas, and we’re disturbing the peace,’” Onyango shared.
This outcome starkly contrasted with protestors’ expectations, as the campaign had received government endorsement and a Ksh100 million budget from President William Ruto on November 20 to combat the issue.
Following the funding announcement, a nationwide call to action for the 16 Days of Activism against GBV began on November 25.
“My office prioritizes psychological support and safe spaces for women and children. Through the women’s rights advisor, we’re launching a Safe Home Safe Space campaign during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starting November 25, 2024,” President Ruto declared.
“Our communities require education on identifying abuse, its root causes, and resources available to victims,” he added.
The initiative came as a response to alarming statistics showing that 97 women had been killed within three months starting in August.
President Ruto further announced the formation of a committee, chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, tasked with developing actionable and sustainable strategies to eradicate femicide.
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Plain-Clothed Police Arrest End Femicide Protesters in Nairobi CBD(Video)