PRESS STATEMENT: FIDA-Kenya Call for Accountability and Justice Following Recent Protest Killings and Sexual Violence in Kenya.
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Comms TeamNairobi, 9th July 2025 — We, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), join the nation in mourning and condemning in the strongest terms the horrific events that unfolded on July 7 (Saba Saba Day), June 25 (mass Gen Z-led protests), and June 18 (Justice for Mwalimu Albert Ojwang protests).
So far, both the media, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and civil society organisations’ data confirm that at least 50 people have died from the three protests. The latest casualty is 12-year-old Bridget Wainaina, who was hit by a stray bullet on Monday, July 7, while inside her family compound. Hundreds have been injured and more abducted or forcibly disappeared.
We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones, families and friends of those who lost their lives. No parent should have to bury a child for standing up for their future. No citizen should pay for a peaceful protest with their blood. We stand in solidarity with all victims and survivors. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.
Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 grants citizens the right to protest as part of the broader framework of fundamental freedoms and democratic governance. It states that “Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.” Article 37 promotes democracy, civic participation, freedom of expression, human dignity, accountability, and a nonviolent check on abuse of state power.
Yet, during the recent protests, instead of hope, our nation witnessed bloodshed, terror, wanton looting, destruction of property and gross human rights violations. What began as peaceful demonstrations led mainly by young Kenyans seeking accountability, justice, and dignity tragically descended into violence, chaos, and loss as a result of state violence. We are staring at the precipice of anarchy in our beloved nation.
FIDA-Kenya is angered and devastated by the reports and visuals that have flooded the media and social platforms. The whole country has seen viral video footage of armed police officers, some in plain clothes and special weapons, shooting live bullets into crowds of unarmed protestors and following them into their houses. We have seen social media videos of bullet fragments that found their way into people’s homes, violating the sanctity and safety of private spaces.
We have also seen viral footage of gang-like groups, in full view of the police, brutalising citizens with crude weapons. On Sunday, July 6 2025, the same groups stormed a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission offices and terrorised innocent women, journalists, and staff of the commission. More disturbingly, we noted an emerging trend where health care facilities such as the Kitengela Sub-County Hospital in Kajiado County, was attacked by rowdy youth, endangering health workers and patients, the majority of whom were women and children.
This trend is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the medical professionals’ unions in condemning this incident in the strongest terms possible.
FIDA-Kenya is worried by the blatant defiance of court orders by the National Police Service. The courts had directed that no masked officers be deployed during protests and that public roads must not be barricaded, thereby denying citizens access to essential services or infringing on their right to movement. Yet, both orders were ignored. Police officers operated in hoods and plain clothes, while major roads into Nairobi and other towns were sealed off with razor wire, creating fear and chaos.
FIDA-Kenya is deeply concerned with the rise in cases of women being harassed, assaulted, and some reportedly raped during the unrest. Such an outrage must never be normalised. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported incidences of sexual violence during the June 25 protests; including rape, gang rape, and attempted rape. The media has also documented cases where criminal gangs were using sexual violence deliberately to intimidate women protesters and diminish female participation in the protests. These incidents reflect the disproportionate risk and trauma that women and girls face during public unrest.
Furthermore, we welcome the intervention by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which has called for a speedy, independent, and transparent investigation into all cases of human rights violations and excessive use of force by the National Police Service since June 2025. Accountability for victims and survivors must be achieved.
In light of everything, FIDA-Kenya will not remain silent. We demand the following:
- 1. An immediate accountability from the Inspector General of the National Police Service. The officers who fired at peaceful protestors, invaded homes, or colluded with criminal gangs must be arrested and arraigned in court without delay. This includes the specialised officers who moved in Subaru vehicles and operated in plain clothes and terrorised residents of Ngong, Rongai, Juja, Kiserian and other towns.
- 2. An independent investigation into all reported cases of police brutality, abductions, and sexual violence, including rape and harassment. The survivors of these acts must be protected, supported, and given access to justice.
- 3. Increased and heightened security measures are in place during protests in all medical facilities nationwide, which respond to the injured while continuing to provide routine medical services to the public during the protest period.
- 4. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must expedite investigations into police conduct during the protests and release comprehensive reports to the public, including details of legal and disciplinary actions taken against those found to be responsible for the police’s excesses.
- 5. As the Head of State, His Excellency President William Ruto must lead from the front. It is clear that the country is hurting, and we urge the president to acknowledge the people’s pain and initiate a process of justice, reform, and healing. The growing rift between citizens and law enforcement is a serious concern. If not urgently addressed, this rift could tear apart the social fabric of our nation.
FIDA-Kenya reiterates that the country must not slide backwards or allow fear to define our democracy. We stand in solidarity with all the voices that are asking for justice and accountability. Therefore, we have activated a Response Centre where we are offering legal aid and psychosocial support, including trauma care, to both women and men who were affected during the protests.
We encourage all survivors and witnesses of police brutality, sexual violence, and intimidation to report the cases. Those in need of these services can call 0743 306 287 or our toll-free line 0800 720 501. They can also visit us along Amboseli road, off Gitanga Road in Lavington.
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Christine Kungu
FIDA-Kenya Chairperson
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Mark Owuor via owuorm@fidakenya.org
