Police lob tear gas to disperse anti-femicide protesters


Police have lobbed tear gas to disperse a small group of protesters in Nairobi who were calling for the end of femicide.

The protesters went to the streets on the last day of 16 days of activism, which started on November 25 and is expected to end on December 10, 2024.

16 days of activism

President William Ruto, speaking during a live press briefing at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, said that his administration has committed Ksh100 million towards the 16 days of activism against GBV.

Ruto also revealed that women leaders have agreed to spearhead the nationwide awareness campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

In addition, the Head of State urged Kenyans to join the movement to speak out, create awareness, and stand united against femicide.

“As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the women leaders have agreed to embark on a nationwide awareness campaign to confront this vice head-on,” Ruto said.

“This campaign will have the full support of my government, and we are committing Ksh100 million for the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign. I urge every Kenyan to join this movement, to speak out, to educate, and to stand united against femicide.”

President William Ruto at State House Nairobi on December 6, 2024, when he assented to the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2024. PHOTO/@StateHouseKenya/X

Ruto added that femicide has no place in Kenya, stating that communities need civic education on the signs and causes of the violence and resources available for victims.

“The women leaders and I stand united in declaring that femicide has no place in Kenya. We must be relentless in protecting the vulnerable in our midst and unwavering in our mission to create a society where every woman lives in safety, dignity, and freedom from fear,” he added.

“Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims. Awareness is a crucial step in prevention.”

The 16 Days of Activism aims to champion a nationwide conversation to address femicide and gender-based violence.





Source link

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*