FIDA-Kenya demands Accountability and Justice following Killings and Sexual Violence during recent protests in Kenya
PHOTO: Police officers seen just before opening fire on the late Mask Vendor Boniface Kariuki during protests in Nairobi on June 17 2025.
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 10 – The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has raised an alarm following recent protests on July 7 (Saba Saba day), June 25 ( Gen-Z led protests) and June 18 (Justice for Mwalimu Albert Ojwang protests) where instead of hope, Kenya witnessed bloodshed, terror, wanton looting, destruction of property and gross human rights violations.
While addressing the Media in Nairobi, FIDA-Kenya highlighted that Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Civil society Organisations’ and the media data confirmed that at least 50 people have died from the three protests.
“What began as peaceful demonstrations led mainly by young Kenyans seeking accountability, justice and dignity tragically descended into violence, chaos and loss as a result of state violence. We are staring at the precipice of anarchy in our beloved nation”, they said.
“No parent should have to bury a child for standing up for their future. No citizen should pay for a peaceful protest with their blood. We stand in solidarity with all victims and survivors. We wish the injured a speedy recovery”.
FIDA-Kenya said they are devastated by the reports and visuals that have flooded the media and social platforms as the whole country has seen viral video footage of armed police officers, some in plain clothes and special weapons, shooting live bullets into crowds of unarmed protestors and following them into their houses.
“We have seen social media videos of bullet fragments that found their way into people’s homes, violating the sanctity and safety of private spaces”.
Additionally, they stated that a viral footage seen of gang-like groups in full view of the police, brutalising citizens with crude weapons where on Sunday July 6 2025, same groups stormed a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission offices and terrorised innocent women, journalists and staff of the commission.
They further raised concern with the rising cases of women being harassed, assaulted and some reportedly raped during the unrest noting that such an outrage must never be normalised.
“The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported incidences of sexual violence during the June 25 protests including rape, gang rape, and attempted rape. The media has also documented cases where criminal gangs were using sexual violence deliberately to intimidate women protesters and diminish female participation in the protests”.
“These incidents reflect the disproportionate risk and trauma that women and girls face during public unrest”.
Furthermore, FIDA Kenya welcomed intervention by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which has called for a speedy, independent and transparent investigation into all cases of human rights violations and excessive use of force by the National Police Service since June 2025.
FIDA-Kenya vows not remain silent and demand the immediate accountability from the Inspector General of the National Police Service that officers who fired at peaceful protestors, invaded homes or colluded with criminal gangs must be arrested and arraigned in court without delay.
An independent investigation into all reported cases of police brutality, abductions and sexual violence, including rape and harassment, The survivors of these acts must be protected, supported and given access to justice.
Increased and heightened security measures are in place during protests in all medical facilities nationwide, which respond to the injured while continuing to provide routine medical services to the public during the protest period.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations into police conduct during the protests and release comprehensive reports to the public, including details of legal and disciplinary actions taken against those found to be responsible for the police’s excesses.
“As the Head of State, President William Ruto must lead from the front It is clear that the country is hurting and we urge the president to acknowledge the people’s pain and initiate a process of justice, reform and healing”.
“The growing rift between citizens and law enforcement is a serious concern If not urgently addressed, this rift could tear apart the social fabric of our nation”.
FIDA-Kenya have activated a Response Centre where we are offering legal aid and psychosocial support, including trauma care, to both women and men who were affected during the protests.
They encouraged all survivors and witnesses of police brutality sexual violence and intimidation to report the cases, with those in need of services can call 0743306287 or toll-free line 0800720501 or visit their offices along Amboseli road, off Gitanga road near in Lavington.
“We stand in solidarity with all the voices that are asking for justice and accountability”.
