FIDA demands justice over protest deaths and rights violations

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has expressed concern over what it terms as the National Police Service’s disregard for court orders during recent protests.

FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu said the courts had prohibited the deployment of masked officers and the barricading of public roads, but these directives were not followed during the Gen Z-led demonstrations.

“Police officers operated in hoods and plain clothes, while major roads into Nairobi and other towns were sealed off with barriers, creating fear and disruption,” she said during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday.

She urged the government to uphold democratic principles, saying, “We reiterate that the country must not allow fear to undermine democracy.”

Kungu said FIDA-Kenya has activated a Response Centre to provide legal aid and psychosocial support, including trauma care, to those affected by the protests.

Survivors and witnesses of alleged police brutality, sexual violence, and intimidation were encouraged to report cases through the organisation’s helplines or by visiting their offices in Lavington, Nairobi.

FIDA-Kenya also called for accountability and justice following reports of deaths and sexual violence during the protests.

“We join the nation in mourning and condemning the tragic events that unfolded on July 7 (Saba Saba Day), June 25, and June 18,” Kungu said.

She cited data from the media, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, and civil society organisations indicating that at least 50 people had lost their lives during the demonstrations.

Among them was 12-year-old Bridget Wainaina, reportedly struck by a stray bullet on July 7 while at home.

Kungu emphasised that the Constitution grants every citizen the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, noting that these freedoms must be protected.

“Instead of hope, the nation witnessed bloodshed, destruction of property, and reports of human rights violations,” she said, adding that what began as peaceful demonstrations tragically descended into violence and chaos.

FIDA-Kenya raised concerns over reports and videos circulating on social media that appeared to show police using live ammunition on protesters and entering private homes.

The organisation also condemned incidents where groups of individuals allegedly attacked civilians and disrupted a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission offices.

Kungu said there were disturbing reports of attacks on medical facilities and incidents of sexual violence during the unrest.

“Such acts must never be normalised. Women and girls face disproportionate risks during public disturbances,” she said.

The organisation welcomed calls by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for independent investigations into all reported cases of human rights violations and alleged excessive use of force.

Kungu urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations and called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure accountability for officers implicated in misconduct.

She also appealed to President William Ruto to acknowledge public grievances and lead efforts toward justice and national healing.

“The growing rift between citizens and law enforcement is deeply concerning. If not addressed, it could further strain the social fabric of the nation,” she said.