Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has described the police response to anti-femicide protests on Tuesday as “highly regrettable,” calling for accountability in the handling of peaceful demonstrations.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, Omollo expressed dismay over the police’s actions, particularly on International Human Rights Day, which he said revealed deeper systemic issues within Kenya’s policing.
“The events that unfolded were unacceptable. Teargassing and arresting peaceful demonstrators is not only unjustified but also deeply troubling,” Omollo stated. “We have had discussions with the Inspector General of Police, and it is clear this is something that should not have occurred.”
READ: Police Teargas Femicide Protesters in Nairobi CBD
Omollo underscored the urgency of addressing Kenya’s femicide crisis, noting that the protest aimed to raise awareness of the escalating violence against women.
The U.S. Embassy in Kenya also condemned the police’s actions, describing the crackdown as “regrettable and concerning.”
In a statement, the embassy said, “The excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators on International Human Rights Day sends a worrying signal about the state of democratic freedoms and human rights in Kenya. The United States stands firmly with efforts to #EndFemicideKE and protect human rights globally.”
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), joined the criticism. In a joint statement, they described the police response as “a direct assault on Kenya’s democratic principles and its citizens’ rights.”
“The use of excessive force and unwarranted arrests violates both national and international human rights laws,” the statement read. “These actions undermine the rule of law and perpetuate impunity, which fuels continued violence against women.”
The organizations urged Kenyan authorities to hold those responsible for the violence accountable, warning that such incidents erode the country’s commitment to justice and human rights.
The protests came amid growing public concern over a surge in femicide cases in Kenya. Activists have been calling for stronger measures to address gender-based violence and ensure justice for victims. While the protests sought to amplify these demands, the police crackdown has drawn international attention to the challenges faced by human rights advocates in Kenya.
