FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu during a press briefing at Ngong Hills Hotel, Nairobi on July 9,2025 /JENNIIFER KANARI
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA Kenya) has expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in deaths and human rights violations during recent protests across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the organisation condemned the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies, especially targeting peaceful demonstrators.
FIDA emphasised that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, and that these rights must be upheld by state agencies.
“No citizen should pay with their blood during a peaceful protest, and no parent should have to bury their children because they exercised their democratic rights,” said a representative from FIDA Kenya.
The organisation said it was particularly disturbed by reports of police officers disguising themselves in civilian clothes and brutally assaulting unarmed protestors.
This, they noted, not only violates national laws but also international human rights standards to which Kenya is a signatory.
FIDA further condemned instances where police officers ignored established guidelines against blocking roads and disrupting peaceful assemblies.
According to them, instead of ensuring order, some officers deliberately provoked chaos and violence.
Even more distressing, FIDA raised alarm over multiple reports of sexual harassment and rape of women during the protests.
They described the alleged acts as unacceptable and a gross violation of the dignity and rights of women.
“These acts of sexual violence during demonstrations are not only criminal but are also aimed at silencing women and deterring them from participating in civic action,” the organisation stated.
FIDA called for immediate and transparent investigations into the conduct of police during the protests.
They urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite inquiries and release comprehensive reports on all incidents involving police brutality.
They further appealed to President William Ruto to ensure accountability within the security forces and to protect the rights of all citizens, especially during moments of public dissent.
