Africa
Kenya
Anti-Femicide Protests in Nairobi Escalate as Police Use Teargas at Jeevanjee Gardens
Bahati shalom
Nov 25, 2024
Anti-Femicide Protests in Nairobi Escalate
Police fired teargas to break up a protest at Jeevanjee Gardens, Nairobi, where activists were urging President William Ruto to declare femicide a national disaster. The protest coincided with the start of Kenya's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
President Ruto, speaking at State House earlier, announced a Sh100 million Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign aimed at ending femicide. He emphasized the government’s focus on providing psychological support, safe spaces, and swift justice for victims of gender-based violence.
“We must ensure justice is swift and efficient,” Ruto said, instructing law enforcement to hold perpetrators fully accountable. He also called for improvements to gender desks at police stations and the introduction of similar support services in hospitals.
Ruto highlighted the importance of educating the public on recognizing abuse and protecting youth from exploitation, particularly on social media. “Parents, schools, and churches must offer life skills and guidance,” he added.
Despite these initiatives, the protesters demanded more urgency, reflecting growing frustration over rising femicide cases.
