Kenyan Police Disperse Anti-Femicide Protest

In Nairobi, police used tear gas to disperse peaceful demonstrators commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, igniting controversy over the government's response to rising gender-based violence. Protesters highlighted the irony of police violence against activists advocating for women's safety, with claims that 97 femicide cases have been reported in the last three months, though many remain undocumented. Activists criticized the government's lack of concrete actions, questioning President William Ruto's calls for collective action amidst rising femicide rates. United Nations data indicates that 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed globally in 2023, with Africa having the highest rate of intimate partner violence. The protest coincided with the global launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, emphasizing the urgent need for effective measures against gender-based violence. Such police actions reflect broader issues regarding governmental accountability and the protection of women in Kenya.