[PHOTOS] Kenyans stage anti-femicide protests in Nairobi

Women seen emotional as they hold protests on the increased number of femicide in the country along Kimathi street, Nairobi on June 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Thousands of Kenyans on Monday took to the streets of Nairobi's Central Business District to protest against the rising cases of femicide and infanticide.

The protesters called on President William Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis.

The demonstrators, drawn from different groups and organisations, marched through major streets in the city carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding justice for victims of gender-based killings.

Hundreds of demonstrators camp along Kimathi street, Nairobi as they protest on the increased number of femicide and pedicide in the country on June 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Many of the protesters held signs bearing messages such as "Stop killing women" as they expressed concern over an alarming increase in cases of women and children being killed across the country.

The march, dubbed an anti-femicide and anti-infanticide demonstration, sought to pressure the government to take urgent measures to address the growing trend of violence against women and children.

Hundreds of demonstrators camp along Kimathi street, Nairobi as they protest on the increased number of femicide and pedicide in the country on June 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Protesters called for stronger law enforcement, faster investigations, and tougher action against perpetrators, arguing that the killings have reached crisis levels and require a coordinated national response.

Among the prominent leaders who joined the demonstrations was former Chief Justice David Maraga.

A group of women camp along Kimathi street, Nairobi as they protest on the increased number of femicide and pedicide in the country on June 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

As they moved through the CBD, protesters sang songs, waved banners and urged leaders to prioritise the safety of women and children, saying every life lost to femicide or infanticide represents a failure of society and the justice system.

The demonstrators maintained that declaring femicide a national crisis would help mobilise resources, strengthen prevention efforts and ensure accountability for those responsible for the killings.

Hundreds of demonstrators camp along Kimathi street, Nairobi as they protest on the increased number of femicide and pedicide in the country on June 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Demonstrators emotional as they hold protests on the increased number of femicide and pedicide in the country along Kimathi street, Nairobi on June 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Hundreds of demonstrators camp along Kimathi street, Nairobi as they protest on the increased number of femicide and pedicide in the country on June 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI