Aasai

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has raised alarm over blatant violations of human rights and disregard for court orders by the National Police Service during recent anti-government protests. In a strongly worded statement, FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu condemned the deployment of masked police officers and the illegal blockade of public roads during demonstrations led predominantly by the country’s youth, widely dubbed the “Gen Z protests.”

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, Kungu said police officers ignored court orders that had barred the use of hoods and plain clothes during operations. “Instead, we witnessed officers operating in masks and civilian clothes, while major access roads to Nairobi and other towns were barricaded,” she said. These actions, she noted, instilled fear and disrupted normalcy, violating fundamental rights.

FIDA-Kenya called on the government to uphold the Constitution and democratic principles, stressing that no society should allow fear to undermine freedom. “We reiterate that the country must not allow fear to undermine democracy,” Kungu declared, urging state actors to respect the right to peaceful assembly and protest.

In response to the unrest, FIDA has established a Response Centre dedicated to offering legal aid and psychosocial support—including trauma counseling—to victims of police brutality, sexual violence, and intimidation. Survivors and witnesses were encouraged to report violations via the organisation’s helplines or visit their offices in Lavington, Nairobi.

The organisation expressed deep sorrow over the reported deaths and violence during the protests that occurred on July 7 (Saba Saba Day), June 25, and June 18. Drawing on data from media reports, human rights bodies, and civil society groups, Kungu revealed that at least 50 people had lost their lives during the demonstrations. Among the victims was 12-year-old Bridget Wainaina, who was reportedly killed by a stray bullet while inside her home.

“These deaths are not just statistics. They are a tragic reflection of how state force has replaced dialogue and constitutional order,” Kungu said. She emphasized that the Constitution protects the right of every Kenyan to demonstrate peacefully, and that this right must be safeguarded, not suppressed.

FIDA also expressed concern over social media videos appearing to show police firing live ammunition at protesters and storming private residences. Additionally, the organisation condemned the harassment of journalists and civil society groups, including an incident where armed individuals disrupted a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

Particularly disturbing were reports of attacks on medical facilities and sexual violence against women and girls during the chaos. “Such acts must never be normalized. Women and girls are often more vulnerable during unrest, and we must ensure their safety is a priority,” Kungu said.

The organisation welcomed international scrutiny, particularly from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which has called for independent investigations into all alleged human rights abuses. FIDA urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to act swiftly in its investigations and demanded accountability from the Inspector General of Police.

Kungu also appealed to President William Ruto to publicly acknowledge the grievances of Kenyan citizens and steer the country toward justice, accountability, and reconciliation. “The growing rift between citizens and law enforcement is deeply concerning. If not addressed, it could further strain the social fabric of the nation,” she warned.