The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), has mourned protest killings and condemned 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).
Speaking in a media briefing at a Nairobi hotel the chairperson of FIDA Christine Kungu has said 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.
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.
Kenya kwanza regime has continued to maim and kill the young generation during the recent protests,the 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.Kenya is staring at the precipice of anarchy in our beloved nation.
Viral footage of gang-like groups surfaced 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.There has been 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.Fida stand in solidarity with the medical professionals' unions in condemning this incident in the strongest terms possible.
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.
According to the chairperson of FIDA cases of women being harassed, assaulted, and some reportedly raped during the unrest have increased.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 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 risks and trauma that women and girls face during public unrest.
FIDA has called for 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.
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,
Survivors and witnesses of police brutality, sexual violence, and intimidation should report the cases through 0743 306 287 or toll-free line 0800 720 501 or visit FIDA offices along Amboseli road, off Gitanga Road in Lavington.
