The United States has condemned the Kenyan National Police Service (NPS) for reportedly attacking anti-femicide activists yesterday.
On Wednesday, December 11, the US Embassy in Kenya accused police officers of violating the Kenyan Constitution’s right to peaceful demonstrations.
While taking aim at Kenyan security officials, US Ambassador to Kenya Marc Dillard described yesterday’s events as unfortunate and troubling.
Dillard also expressed the US government’s commitment to assisting stakeholders in their efforts to put an end to the rising number of femicide cases in Kenya and protect human rights.
“Regrettable and concerning to see police action against Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully,” read part of the statement.
“On International Human Rights Day and every day, the United States supports efforts to end femicide and protect the human rights of all people,” Dillard added.
Ambassador Dillard reacted after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and other advocacy groups, including Amnesty Kenya, expressed alarm about the savage handling of anti-femicide activists by claimed police personnel in Nairobi.
On Tuesday, December 10, the lobby groups issued a statement criticizing police officers for their aggressive response to nonviolent protestors, the majority of whom were women.
In a joint press conference, humanitarian groups violently criticized the police for arresting peaceful protestors, claiming that it was a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic values and residents’ 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,” read part of a statement by the lobby groups.
“These actions undermine the rule of law and reinforce the impunity that perpetuates violence against women. We strongly condemn the use of teargas against unarmed citizens and the arrest of peaceful demonstrators.”
Every year, from November 25 to December 10, the world commemorates the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness and mobilize action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
