Release Director, Nairobi Anti-Femicide Protesters: LSK, Amnesty

Amnesty Kenya alongside the Law Society of Kenya, Human is My ID Alliance and End Femicide KE Movement on Tuesday, December 10 called for the immediate release of an unconfirmed number of Kenyans who were taken into custody by police officers lobbying teargas during the anti-femicide protests.

Among those arrested included Amnesty Kenya Executive Director Houghton Irungu, who was arrested while taking part in the protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) that began this morning.

In a video shared by Amnesty Kenya on X, the plain-clothed officers are captured forcefully taking Irungu away as fellow Kenyans unsuccessfully try to pull him away. Shouts of “What has he done?” went unanswered as he was placed at the back of a police vehicle.

In a statement following the arrest, the human rights group shared that Irungu had been arrested alongside two others.

Our Executive Director, @irunguhoughton, and 3 others have been arrested during the #EndFemicideKE peaceful protests. This brazen attack on the right to assembly is an affront to justice. We demand their immediate and unconditional release. #FreeIrungu #ProtectTheProtest pic.twitter.com/D4LkPGxpY9 — Amnesty Kenya (@AmnestyKenya) December 10, 2024

"On this International Human Rights Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and upholding the dignity, freedom, and rights of all people, we witnessed a grave violation of these very principles. Peaceful protestors in Nairobi—predominantly women and allies—marching against the epidemic of femicide were teargassed, violently dispersed, and unlawfully arrested by police.

"Among those detained are human rights defenders Irungu Houghton and two others, who were unjustly arrested despite their peaceful participation," the statement read in part.

The four groups reiterated that the protest was a courageous stand against the killing of women, a demand for urgency in investigating these murders, and a call for perpetrators to be held accountable.

They also reaffirmed that it is a vital exercise of the constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble, demonstrate, and petition, as outlined in Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution.

The groups thus termed the violent response by police, including the arrest of these peaceful protestors, as a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic principles and the human rights of its citizens.

"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. 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," the groups added, listing four demands.

Other than for all protesters to be released immediately without charge, the groups demanded Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to initiate an independent investigation into the violence and unlawful arrests, with perpetrators held accountable.

Authorities were also compelled to expedite investigations into femicide cases, ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

Furthermore, law enforcement was urged to respect Kenyans’ constitutional rights and ensure that peaceful demonstrators are protected, not persecuted.

Since the protests kicked off this morning, police interference has been reported disheartening those participating in the march. Starting the day with reports of teargas to fend off the protestors, live updates from social media confirmed that police and plain-clothed individuals suspected to be police officers began arresting the protestors.

Media personality Adelle Onyango who has been actively posting updates on the protests also reported witnessing a similar arrest.

“Plain-clothed cops near JKUAT towers seem to have arrested a guy in a white polo shirt, blue pants, and dreadlocks. Unfortunately didn't get his name/pic. Also another cop car near Nation Center so please avoid that area,” she warned.

Moreover, amidst a fluid situation, #EndFemicide protestors in Nairobi were urged to leave the CBD. Human rights groups warned that escalating violence and police crackdowns had turned the area into a crisis zone, posing significant risks to demonstrators.