The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned the events that unfolded during the Saba Saba and June 25 protests to push for justice.

So far, credible reports by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations confirm that at least 30 people have died from the protests this week and in June.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones, families and friends of those who lost their lives. No parent should have to bury a child for standing up for their future,” said Christine Kungu, chairperson FIDA-Kenya during a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday.

“No citizen should pay for a peaceful protest with their blood. We stand in solidarity with all victims and survivors. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.” She said.

FIDA-Kenya said Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 grants citizens the right to protest as part of the broader framework of fundamental freedoms and democratic governance.

“Yet, during the recent protests, instead of hope, our nation witnessed bloodshed, terror, wanton looting, destruction of property and gross human rights violations,” said Kungu. 

What began as peaceful demonstrations, she said, led mainly by young Kenyans seeking accountability, justice and dignity, tragically descended into violence, chaos, and loss as a result of state violence.

“We are staring at the precipice of anarchy in our beloved nation.” 

FIDA-Kenya said it is angered and devastated by the reports and visuals that have flooded the media and social platforms of armed police officers, some in plain clothes and special weapons, shooting live bullets into crowds of unarmed protestors and following them into their houses.

“We have seen social media videos of bullet fragments that found their way into people’s homes, violating the sanctity and safety of private spaces,” said Kungu.

The organsiation also condemned what it said was an emerging trend where health care facilities, such as the Kitengela Sub-County Hospital in Kajiado County, were attacked by rowdy youth, endangering health workers and patients, the majority of whom were women and children.

“This trend is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the medical professionals’ unions in condemning this incident in the strongest terms possible,” said …

FIDA-Kenya said it’s worried by the blatant defiance of court orders by the National Police Service even after the courts had directed that no masked officers be deployed during protests and that public roads must not be barricaded, thereby denying citizens access to essential services or infringing on their right to movement.

“Yet, both orders were ignored. Police officers operated in hoods and plain clothes, while major roads into Nairobi and other towns were sealed off with razor wire, creating fear and chaos,” she said.

FIDA is also calling for an independent investigation into all reported cases of police brutality, abductions, and sexual violence, including rape and harassment, adding that the survivors of these acts must be protected, supported, and given access to justice.

“The officers who fired at peaceful protestors, invaded homes, or colluded with criminal gangs must be arrested and arraigned in court without delay. This includes the specialised officers who moved in Subaru vehicles and operated in plain clothes and terrorised residents of Ngong, Rongai, Juja, Kiserian and other towns,” said FIDA.