PRESS STATEMENT: Statement on State sanctioned violence and a call to report all sexual and gender-based violence cases

Nairobi, 27th June, 2024 – FIDA-Kenya strongly condemns the government of Kenya’s brutal response to the peaceful #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests. The past week’s events have been heart-renching, devastating, and agonising. The whole world watched as the state-sanctioned violence was meted out to innocent people and peaceful protestors, leading to blatant human rights violations, including a night of extrajudicial killings and repression in Githurai and other parts of the country. 

Media reports from Githurai describe the event as terrifying and horrific. Young people, women, and children were subjected to unimaginable horror for an entire night. People were pulled from their houses, brutalised, and some killed. 

We state categorically that police are responsible for the violence, injuries, and deaths witnessed, and call upon the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate these cases and hold those responsible to account, justice must be served.  

We stand in solidarity with the families in Githurai and across Kenya who faced state terror and systemic targeting of innocent civilians, leading to bloodshed. Our understanding of the situation is that families in Githurai are traumatised and afraid to report the atrocities. 

FIDA-Kenya also offers its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives during the protests this week, including the family of Caroline Shiramba, a 35-year-old food vendor from Ikolomani in Kakamega County who was tragically killed by a police bullet while on her way to the shop. We acknowledge that there are many other cases that are yet to be reported and we urge the public to come forth and report these cases. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those currently hospitalised across the country.

In response to these distressing events, FIDA-Kenya urges Kenyans to report any cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) that occurred during the peaceful protests. We are committed to providing free professional counselling support and legal aid to those in need. Our team of experienced counsellors and lawyers will ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the necessary support. We encourage individuals to contact at 0722509760 to seek help and report any incidents of SGBV or abuse.

As a women’s rights organisation, FIDA-Kenya remains dedicated to upholding women’s rights and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in Kenya. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. We will continue to advocate for justice and the respect of fundamental human rights by the police. We also stand firmly against such acts of brutality by the police and call for swift justice for the victims and their families. Further, we call upon the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Security, Prof. Kithure Kindiki and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Japheth Koome to take immediate steps without fail to prevent any further violence and to ensure the safety of all citizens in Kenya. 

FIDA-Kenya will not hesitate to take up legal action against any public officer found culpable of causing loss of life or injury to any person who was exercising their right to peaceful protests and assembly.  

Christine Kungu
FIDA-Kenya Chairperson

For media enquiries, please reach Mark Owuor Otieno on Email: owuorm@fidakenya.org OR Call: Tel: 254 202 2604043/4 Mobile: 254-722509760/ 254710607241