FIDA issues demands following killings and sexual violence during protests
By Nancy Marende, July 9, 2025The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has called for justice and accountability in the wake of widespread killings, police brutality, and sexual violence that marred recent protests across the country.
In a statement on July 9, 2025, the organisation expressed outrage over the state’s violent response to peaceful demonstrations, including the Saba Saba Day commemorations and earlier Gen Z-led protests, which have left at least 50 people dead and hundreds more injured or missing.
FIDA-Kenya has issued its condolences to the families of the victims, saying that no Kenyan should pay for peaceful protests with their blood.
“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. 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,” read the statement in part.
Demands
FIDA-Kenya has made the following five key demands to address what it describes as a grave human rights crisis:
- Immediate accountability from police IG
The federation is calling for the arrest and prosecution of officers who fired at peaceful protestors, invaded private homes, or colluded with criminal gangs to brutalise citizens. Special emphasis was placed on plainclothes officers in Subaru vehicles, who allegedly terrorised residents in Ngong, Rongai, Juja, Kiserian, and other towns.
- Independent investigations
FIDA-Kenya is demanding thorough and independent probes into reported cases of rape, harassment, abduction, and other forms of abuse committed during the protests. Survivors must be offered legal support, psychosocial care, and protection, the statement emphasised.
- Enhanced security at medical facilities
The organisation has also urged the government to protect hospitals and health centres nationwide during future demonstrations to ensure continued care for the injured and the general public.
- Faster investigations by IPOA
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been urged to expedite its investigations into police misconduct, publish its findings, and recommend disciplinary and legal action against those found culpable.
- President Ruto must lead reforms and healing
Calling on President William Ruto to acknowledge the nation’s pain, FIDA-Kenya urged the Head of State to spearhead reforms, pursue justice, and rebuild public trust in law enforcement. The group warned that the growing divide between citizens and the police, if left unaddressed, threatens to rip apart the fabric of the nation.