FIDA-Kenya Demands Accountability After Deadly Protest Killings and Sexual Violence

Tariq Affan

Published: 10 July 2025

FIDA-Kenya Demands Accountability After Deadly Protest Killings and Sexual Violence

By Urban Shihemi, July 9, 2025 The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has issued a strong statement condemning the killings, disappearances, and sexual violence that have marred recent public protests across the country including July 7 (Saba Saba Day), June 25 (mass Gen Z-led protests), and June 18 (Justice for Mwalimu Albert Ojwang protests). The organization is calling for swift accountability, justice for victims, and immediate police reforms following what it terms a "national crisis of human rights violations." The protests held on June 18 (Justice for Mwalimu Albert Ojwang), June 25 (Gen Z-led demonstrations), and most recently, on July 7 (Saba Saba Day) have so far claimed the lives of at least 50 people, according to data from civil society organizations, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and media reports. Among the victims is 12-year-old Bridget Wainaina, who was killed by a stray bullet while in her family compound. In their press statement released in Nairobi, FIDA-Kenya expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries and affirmed their solidarity with the victims and their families. "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," Christine Kungu, FIDA-Kenya Chairperson said. Citing Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which protects the right to peaceful protest, FIDA-Kenya criticized what it described as a pattern of "state violence" against unarmed demonstrators. The organization condemned the use of live bullets, police raids on private homes, and the presence of armed officers in plain clothes, accusing law enforcement of ignoring court orders banning the use of masked officers and road barricades during protests. FIDA-Kenya also raised alarm over the increasing reports of sexual violence during the unrest, including rape, gang rape, and harassment targeting female protesters. The KNCHR and media have documented multiple incidents where women were attacked both by criminal gangs and allegedly by security officers. "This is an outrageous and unacceptable violation of women's rights," said FIDA-Kenya. "Sexual violence cannot and must not be normalized during times of public unrest." The organization condemned the July 6 attack on a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission offices and the invasion of Kitengela Sub-County Hospital by armed youth, which endangered patients and medical staff. FIDA-Kenya stood in solidarity with medical workers and called for heightened security in health facilities during periods of unrest. FIDA-Kenya welcomed calls by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for an independent and transparent investigation into the police’s handling of the protests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zQuIQeZMS4

FIDA-Kenya Demands Accountability After Deadly Protest Killings and Sexual Violence

Tariq Affan

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FIDA-Kenya Demands Accountability After Deadly Protest Killings and Sexual Violence

Tariq Affan

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