Protestors who gathered in Nairobi on Tuesday morning to protest the heightened cases of femicide in the country were teargassed by police officers in the city’s CBD.
In several clips and images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, clouds of smoke can be seen emanating from teargas canisters thrown by the officers to disperse the crowd.
The highly anticipated march marked the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV and aimed to bring together women, human rights activists, and allies to raise awareness about femicide, which has plagued the country in recent months.
The ‘EndFemicideKe’ X handle which was instrumental in organising the protests also confirmed the incident urging those affected to reach their emergency line for assistance.
“We strongly condemn this attack on our rights to peaceful demonstration for our rights,” the statement read.
Updates trickling in on social media have included reports of Naivas Supermarket and City Market being teargassed.
Media personality Adelle Onyango also gave an update, confirming that Jeevanjee Gardens, where the march was to kick off has been abandoned after police officers teargassed those who showed up.
“Just gotten to Jivanjee. Learning that cops dispersed everyone. The Subaru boys are still here saying we shouldn't convene because "it's Christmas and we are disturbing the peace," she wrote.
This is a sharp contrast to what most of the protestors expected as the campaign had been government-backed with Ksh100 million allocated to fight the vice by President William Ruto on November 20.
The announcement was followed by a call to action to participate in the 16 Days of Activism against GBV that kicked off on November 25.
"Matters psychological support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority in my office. Through the women's right advisor, we are launching a safe home safe space campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that will start on November 25, 2024," President Ruto remarked.
"Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and resources available to victims."
The address was in response to a worrying report that a staggering 97 women had been killed in just three months since August.
He also added that a committee to be led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had been formed to come up with actionable and lasting solutions to end femicide in its entirety.
