By Peace Muthoka.
The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned the brutal crackdown on peaceful protests across the country, calling for immediate justice and accountability from state authorities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, FIDA-Kenya expressed deep sorrow and outrage following weeks of deadly demonstrations that have rocked the country. The protests held on June 18, June 25, and most recently on Saba Saba Day, July 7 have resulted in the deaths of at least 50 people, including children, according to civil society groups and human rights monitors.
Among the youngest victims was 12-year-old Bridget Wainaina, killed by a stray bullet while inside her family compound. Her tragic death has become a symbol of the rising cost of civic expression in Kenya.
“No parent should have to bury their child for standing up for their future. No citizen should pay with their life for raising their voice,” said FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu.
The organisation, long known for its advocacy for women’s rights and access to justice, painted a grim picture of escalating state violence. Peaceful demonstrators, they said, have been met with bullets, arbitrary arrests, and disappearances, while masked men and plainclothes officers have been seen attacking protestors without accountability.
“Our country is hurting. We’ve seen women assaulted in daylight, homes stormed, and hospitals turned into danger zones. Public trust in the rule of law is hanging by a thread,” said FIDA-Kenya Board Secretary Angela Mwadumbu.
Footage shared online showed chilling scenes of law enforcement and criminal gangs beating civilians, invading homes, and shooting at unarmed crowds. In one shocking incident, armed attackers disrupted a human rights press conference on July 6, targeting journalists and women activists.
Adding to the horror, FIDA-Kenya raised alarm over rising cases of sexual violence reported during the chaos. According to independent monitors and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), some women were raped or assaulted—both by law enforcement officers and opportunistic criminals.
“These acts not only violate women’s bodies—they are designed to erase them from the public space. It is a targeted weapon of fear,” Mwadumbu warned.
The organisation also condemned the police for disobeying court orders, such as bans on officers wearing masks during protests and directives to keep public roads accessible. Instead, demonstrators were met with roadblocks, heavily armed personnel, and anonymous officers operating from unmarked vehicles.
FIDA-Kenya laid out a series of urgent demands, including:
- The immediate arrest and prosecution of officers linked to unlawful shootings, raids, and collaboration with gangs
- An independent investigation into all allegations of police abuse
- Full protection and support for survivors, including medical care and trauma counselling
- Secure hospital environments during unrest
- Fast-tracked public reports from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)
They also urged President William Ruto to take personal responsibility and actively engage in resolving the crisis.
“There is a growing gap between citizens and the state. Healing must begin with truth. The president must listen, must see, and must act,” said FIDA-Kenya Executive Director Anne Ireri.
In a show of solidarity, the organisation has activated a legal response centre to offer legal aid, trauma support, and medical assistance to all victims affected by the protests, regardless of gender.
FIDA-Kenya’s call adds to the mounting pressure on government institutions to respect human rights and restore public confidence amid growing national unrest.
