KNCHR condemns police brutality against anti-femicide protesters

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the violence meted out by police officers against protesters who voiced their rage over the rise in femicide cases across the country.

While reflecting on the historic 61 years since Kenya became a republic, KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede questioned why the officers used brute force against unarmed women who were exercising their right to protest.

The protests, held on Tuesday, December 10, saw police teargas protesters in Nairobi CBD at a time when the country was culminating the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence as announced by President William Ruto.

"These are our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters who had bravely come out to march for their lives, dignity, and security as well as to advocate for an environment that safeguards their overall well-being," Ms. Odede noted.

"Such acts undermine the very rights and fundamental freedoms that we fought so hard to achieve from the Colonial Government."

The commission called on all the officers culpable ought to be prosecuted and charged for the crimes.

"We further stress the importance of safeguarding civic space and protection of all Human Rights Defenders as should be expected from a Democratic State like ours," the statement read.

KNCHR explained that the officers' actions are concerning as Kenya was recently admitted as a member of the Human Rights Council.

"This membership raises the bar even higher for it requires that Kenya sets an example in the promotion and protection of human rights," KNCHR noted. 

In October, Kenya was among 17 countries elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

This, however, attracted criticism from the local and international community that have accused Kenya of violating human rights.