FIDA-Kenya Chairperson, Christine Kungu Calls for Protection of Women During Protests at Special NCAJ Council Meeting
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Comms TeamStory by Mark Owuor Otieno
FIDA-Kenya Chairperson, Ms. Christine Kungu, recently attended a Special Council Meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), a key advocate for justice reforms in Kenya. The meeting was chaired by Chief Justice Hon. Martha Koome, who also serves as the Chairperson of NCAJ.
The meeting focused on the recent demonstrations and raised serious concerns about rising insecurity, disregard for the rule of law, and human rights violations. Participants discussed how justice sector institutions can intervene to support efforts to manage protests, ensure security, uphold the law and order, and protect human rights, notably through strategic collaboration and grassroots-level action.
During the meeting, Ms. Kungu emphasised the need to protect women during protests. She pointed out that during the recent demonstrations, many women were harassed, assaulted, and some even reportedly raped. Ms. Kungu firmly stated that such acts must never be normalised.
Backing these concerns, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed cases of sexual violence during the June 25 protests, including rape, gang rape, and attempted rape. Media reports also revealed that criminal gangs were deliberately using sexual violence to intimidate women protesters and reduce their participation. These cases highlight the increased risks and trauma women and girls face during times of public unrest. At the end of the meeting, participants issued a Communiqué titled “A Call for the Rule of Law, Peace, Unity, and Respect for Human Rights.”
This Communiqué delivered a strong message in response to the recent nationwide protests, which led to deaths, destruction of property, and serious rights violations. Reflecting on the current situation in Kenya, the Council extended its condolences to the affected families and urged the government to provide support to the victims. “The Constitution of Kenya remains our shared compass,” the statement read, while underscoring the right to peaceful protest and condemning both violence and political incitement.
NCAJ acknowledged that legitimate frustrations over governance, poor service delivery, and high unemployment drove the youth-led demonstrations. It called for meaningful engagement with the youth and warned that ongoing unrest could threaten national stability and justice systems.
The Council urged the fast-tracking of reforms to address the tension between managing public order and upholding the right to protest. It promised a review of existing laws through the Kenya Law Reform Commission. It also condemned inflammatory political talk and called on leaders to act with restraint.
In response to the police’s role during the protests, the Council stressed the need for improved professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights within the National Police Service. It called for immediate action on reports of sexual violence and advocated for the disbanding of local criminal gangs.
The Communiqué also reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary and other oversight bodies. It stressed the need for closer cooperation among justice institutions, the activation of the Victim Compensation Fund, and the protection of civic space.
“The preservation of peace… is a shared national responsibility,” the Council concluded.
