Former Chief Justice David Maraga joined hundreds of Kenyans in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Monday as demonstrators took to the streets to demand urgent government action against rising cases of femicide, child killings, and gender-based violence across the country.
The demonstration, dubbed the “Stop Killing Women and Children” march and “Memorial Day Sit-Down,” brought together activists, civil society groups, families of victims, and concerned citizens who say Kenya is facing a crisis that requires immediate national intervention.
The former Chief Justice walked alongside protesters through sections of the CBD before joining participants during a peaceful sit-down demonstration.
Protesters gathered along major streets including Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street, carrying placards, symbolic coffins, flowers, and photographs in memory of women and children who have lost their lives to violence and mysterious circumstances.
The demonstration was marked by solemn moments as participants paid tribute to victims while demanding accountability from government institutions responsible for protecting vulnerable members of society.
Organizers said the protest was intended to highlight what they described as an alarming increase in cases of femicide and pedicide across the country.
The march also sought to pressure authorities into declaring gender-based violence a national emergency and implementing measures aimed at preventing further deaths.
Throughout the demonstration, protesters repeatedly called on the government to treat the crisis with the same urgency typically reserved for national disasters and security threats.
The protests come amid growing concern over reported increases in killings involving women and children, as well as cases of abduction, abuse, and disappearances.
One of the key demands from demonstrators was a formal declaration recognizing gender-based violence, femicide, and child killings as a national crisis.
Protesters believe such a declaration would unlock additional resources, strengthen law enforcement responses, and accelerate policy reforms aimed at addressing the problem.
Maraga’s attendance was particularly notable given his increasing involvement in civic and governance-related discussions since leaving office as Chief Justice.
Over the years, he has frequently spoken about constitutional rights, accountability, and the responsibility of institutions to protect citizens.
Some carried flowers and memorial tributes, while others held signs calling for stronger investigations, harsher penalties for offenders, and greater support systems for survivors and affected families.
The symbolic coffins carried during the march underscored the emotional weight of the demonstration and highlighted the lives lost to violence.
As the sit-down protest continued, participants reiterated their message that women and children should be able to live free from fear and violence.
They urged lawmakers, security agencies, and policymakers to prioritize measures that would strengthen prevention, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure swift justice for victims.
