FIDA-Kenya Demands Accountability After Deadly Crackdown on Protesters

Nairobi, July 9, 2025 – The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has issued a strong statement condemning the recent spate of killings, abductions, and sexual violence during nationwide protests, calling for immediate accountability and justice.

In a statement released today, FIDA-Kenya joined the nation in mourning victims of state violence following the July 7 (Saba Saba Day), June 25 (Gen Z-led protests), and June 18 (Justice for Mwalimu Albert Ojwang) demonstrations. The organization described the events as “horrific” and expressed deep concern over the increasing brutality.

“No parent should have to bury a child for standing up for their future. No citizen should pay for a peaceful protest with their blood,” the statement read, offering condolences to families of the deceased and solidarity with survivors.

According to FIDA-Kenya, reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and civil society data confirm that over 50 people have died during the protests, with hundreds injured, abducted, or forcibly disappeared. One of the most heartbreaking cases is that of 12-year-old Bridget Wainaina, who was hit by a stray bullet on July 7 while inside her family compound.

The organization emphasized that the Constitution of Kenya (Article 37) protects the right to protest, stating, “Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.” FIDA-Kenya warned that this constitutional right is under threat.

“What began as peaceful demonstrations led by young Kenyans seeking accountability, justice, and dignity tragically descended into violence, chaos, and loss as a result of state violence,” the group noted, decrying the “bloodshed, terror, wanton looting, destruction of property, and gross human rights violations.”

FIDA-Kenya expressed alarm at viral footage showing armed police officers, some in plain clothes and carrying special weapons, firing live bullets into crowds and even into private homes. They cited numerous social media videos showing bullet fragments lodged in household items, a clear violation of domestic safety.

“We are angered and devastated by the reports and visuals that have flooded the media,” said the organization, adding that the actions of police officers and other violent actors have created an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.

The statement also highlighted a disturbing incident on July 6, where gang-like groups, armed with crude weapons and operating in full view of police, attacked citizens, stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and harassed journalists and staff.

More troubling, FIDA-Kenya reported an emerging trend of attacks on healthcare facilities, such as the Kitengela Sub-County Hospital, where youth mobs targeted patients and staff — most of whom were women and children.

“We stand in solidarity with the medical professionals’ unions in condemning this incident in the strongest terms possible,” the statement said.

Finally, the organization criticized the National Police Service for defying court orders. Despite judicial directives that prohibited deployment of masked officers during protests and demanded public roads remain open, these orders were allegedly ignored.

FIDA-Kenya is now calling for urgent investigations, prosecution of those responsible, and meaningful reforms to protect civic freedoms. “We are staring at the precipice of anarchy in our beloved nation,” they warned.

As Kenya grapples with the fallout from these protests, pressure is mounting on the government and security agencies to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional rights—before more lives are lost.