NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has criticized the police handling of anti-femicide protesters on Tuesday, describing it as “quite unfortunate” and “unacceptable.”
Speaking on Citizen TV Wednesday, Omollo acknowledged that the teargassing and arrests of peaceful demonstrators during the march—coinciding with International Human Rights Day—highlight deeper issues in Kenya’s policing systems.
“Things did not go right,” Omollo said. “We have had talks with the inspector general of police, and it is regrettable. It is something that should not have happened in the first place.”
The protests were organized to call attention to the alarming rise in femicide cases across the country.
However, the demonstration was marred by chaotic police intervention, leading to widespread condemnation from local and international quarters.
The US Embassy issued a strong statement criticizing the violent police response, noting that the crackdown undermines fundamental freedoms enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.
“It is regrettable and concerning to see police action against Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully,” the embassy said. “On International Human Rights Day and every day, the United States supports efforts to #EndFemicideKE and protect the human rights of all people.”
Local advocacy groups, including Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), also condemned the police actions, framing them as a threat to democracy and human rights.
“The excessive force and unwarranted arrests not only violate national and international human rights laws but also send a chilling message to all those advocating for justice and accountability,” a joint statement from the lobbies read.
Amnesty Kenya and LSK further emphasized that such heavy-handed measures “undermine the rule of law” and “reinforce the impunity that perpetuates violence against women.”
They strongly condemned the use of teargas on unarmed citizens and the arrests of peaceful demonstrators.
The protests came amid growing outrage over an increase in femicide cases in Kenya.
Rights groups and activists have demanded urgent action to address the escalating violence against women, calling on authorities to prioritize investigations and accountability.
Omollo acknowledged the importance of the march and the wider conversation on femicide, noting that the issue remains a pressing concern for the nation.
Speaking on Citizen TV Wednesday, Omollo acknowledged that the teargassing and arrests of peaceful demonstrators during the march—coinciding with International Human Rights Day—highlight deeper issues in Kenya’s policing systems.
“Things did not go right,” Omollo said. “We have had talks with the inspector general of police, and it is regrettable. It is something that should not have happened in the first place.”
The protests were organized to call attention to the alarming rise in femicide cases across the country.
However, the demonstration was marred by chaotic police intervention, leading to widespread condemnation from local and international quarters.
The US Embassy issued a strong statement criticizing the violent police response, noting that the crackdown undermines fundamental freedoms enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.
“It is regrettable and concerning to see police action against Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully,” the embassy said. “On International Human Rights Day and every day, the United States supports efforts to #EndFemicideKE and protect the human rights of all people.”
Local advocacy groups, including Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), also condemned the police actions, framing them as a threat to democracy and human rights.
“The excessive force and unwarranted arrests not only violate national and international human rights laws but also send a chilling message to all those advocating for justice and accountability,” a joint statement from the lobbies read.
Amnesty Kenya and LSK further emphasized that such heavy-handed measures “undermine the rule of law” and “reinforce the impunity that perpetuates violence against women.”
They strongly condemned the use of teargas on unarmed citizens and the arrests of peaceful demonstrators.
The protests came amid growing outrage over an increase in femicide cases in Kenya.
Rights groups and activists have demanded urgent action to address the escalating violence against women, calling on authorities to prioritize investigations and accountability.
Omollo acknowledged the importance of the march and the wider conversation on femicide, noting that the issue remains a pressing concern for the nation.
