Police in Nairobi violently disrupted a march advocating for an end to femicide, an incident that occurred on International Human Rights Day—a day commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which asserts the inalienable rights of all people.
During the disruption, several protesters were subjected to unwarranted force, injured, and others arrested, with police deploying plainclothed officers, live ammunition, and teargas despite a court order prohibiting such actions.
This brazen disregard for the law contrasts with William Ruto's recent pledge of Sh100 million to combat femicide. Ironically, his regime has failed to protect a fundamental, costless mechanism for advancing women's rights—peaceful protest.
This regime’s report shows 97 women were killed in femicides between August and October 2024. The numbers could be higher.
This latest incident adds to countless reasons for the Ruto regime’s inability to uphold human rights and democratic freedoms. KHRC demands the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters and legal action against the officers responsible for these violations.
Uganda Law Council bars Karua
Separately, KHRC is alarmed by the Uganda Law Council’s decision to deny Martha Karua a special practicing certificate to represent Kizza Besigye. Besigye was abducted in Kenya and subsequently arraigned in Uganda over trumped-up charges.
KHRC has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Besigye’s right to a fair trial and to advocate for the rule of law in Uganda and Kenya. The Uganda Law Council’s decision to bar Karua from representing her client is baseless and regressive, undermining Besigye’s right to legal representation by a lawyer of his choice.
KHRC supports the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK) recent statement expressing similar concerns and demands that the Uganda Law Council review its decision immediately. Justice and fairness must prevail in upholding Besigye’s rights and the broader principles of the rule of law.