Women Senators condemn sexual violence during June 25 protests, call for DCI probe

The protests, which were meant to commemorate the lives lost during the June 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, led to further loss of lives. Women and girls were also subjected to sexual violence in the demonstrations.

The women senators, led by their chairperson Senator Veronica Maina have condemned the grievous bodily harm, injuries, rape and molestation of innocent women and girls during the public unrest.

“We particularly decry the violence that was meted out on women and girls, including acts of sexual violence which unfortunately are being celebrated by the perpetrators and other members of the public on social media,” KEWOSA stated in a press statement on Thursday.

The Senators condemned the targeting of women and girls, stating, “Why should demonstrations target the bodies of women and girls? How does the rape of women and girls assist anyone to achieve the their objectives?”

KEWOSA has called on persons who witnessed the sexual assault of women and girls to come forward and report the matter.

The Senators now want the State Department for Gender and the National Gender and Equality Commission to provide comprehensive support and protection to survivors, including medical and psychological support.

They call on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the cases of sexual violence, while the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ensures prosecution of the perpetrators.

While showing its support for victims, the female Senators have challenged organisers of the protests to state their position on the sexual violence witnessed.

Nearly 12 people have been reported to have died from the protests.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Wednesday reported that 400 people, including protesters, police officers and journalists, were injured in the demonstrations.

"The Commission received information of infiltration of the demonstrations by Criminal Elements and Destruction of Property. Credible reports of “hired goons” infiltrating protests in Eldoret, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kajiado and Kisumu," the statement read in part.