In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, the U.S. condemned the suppression of citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble and protest peacefully.
“It is regrettable and concerning to see police action against Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully,” the embassy said in part.
The statement comes amid heightened calls to address femicide in Kenya, with protests organized under the banner #EndFemicideKE gaining momentum across the country.
The demonstrations, largely peaceful, sought to bring attention to the rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide, a crisis activists say has been ignored for too long.
However, reports of police interference and force against protesters have sparked criticism both locally and internationally.
“On International Human Rights Day and every day, the United States supports efforts to #EndFemicideKE and protect the human rights of all people,” the embassy added, signaling its solidarity with demonstrators and victims’ advocates.
The protests are part of a growing movement demanding justice, accountability, and systemic change to curb gender-based violence in Kenya.
Human rights groups have repeatedly called for police restraint during demonstrations, emphasizing the need to uphold the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.