A group of protesters marching in Nairobi against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide were teargassed and dispersed by the police.

The march on Tuesday December 10, 2024 marked the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV and aimed to raise awareness about the rising cases of femicide and GBV in Kenya.

Amnesty International condemned the police for using teargas and arresting peaceful protesters, calling it a violation of human rights.

The organization stated, “On International Human Rights Day, we witnessed a grave violation of these very principles.”

They also criticized the arrest of Amnesty International’s Executive Director, Houghton Irungu, who was seen being detained by plainclothes officers in a video that circulated online.

The human rights organization called for the immediate release of all protesters and demanded that the police be held accountable for their actions.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative aimed at ending violence against women and girls. The campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10, emphasizing the serious impacts of gender-based violence.

Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, also condemned the police actions, joining the calls for justice.

“There is no justification for attacking, arresting, or interfering with peaceful Kenyans advocating for the protection of women, especially when the threat of violence against women is clearly a national crisis,” she said.

“The police must focus their efforts on fighting these atrocities, not perpetuating them. We support the fight to end femicide and commend the brave Kenyans who came out today to demand the urgent change needed.”