Kenya’s women senators have condemned in the strongest terms the sexual violence reported during the June 25, 2025, protests, calling for swift justice and protection for survivors.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, June 26, 2025, under the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA), Chairperson Veronica Maina decried “the senseless violence witnessed during the protests held on 25th June 2025, that led to fatalities, grievous bodily harm, other injuries, rape, and molestation of innocent women and girls.”
The lawmakers expressed deep outrage that some perpetrators were even celebrating the attacks online. “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,” the statement read.
They stressed that peaceful protests must not be used as a shield for gender-based crimes. “Sexual violence, in any form, is a grave violation of human rights,” they stated. “When perpetrated during protests, it not only inflicts immense physical and psychological harm on victims but also serves to silence, intimidate, and prevent women and girls from exercising their fundamental right to freedom of assembly and expression.”
Questioning the motive behind the attacks, the senators asked, “Why should demonstrations target the bodies of women and girls? How does the rape of women and girls assist anyone to achieve their objectives?”
Calling for collective responsibility, the leaders urged, “We call upon all people of goodwill to come out and condemn these heinous acts. We also call upon those who know anyone who engaged in these disgraceful acts to report them.”
They appealed to the State Department for Gender and the National Gender and Equality Commission to offer full support to victims, including trauma care. They also demanded urgent investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and prosecution of suspects by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In closing, the senators said, “We urge everyone to speak out against these atrocities and work together to ensure accountability and justice. The right to protest must never come at the cost of safety and dignity for women and girls.”
“We stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual violence and reaffirm our commitment to a society where women and girls can participate fully and safely.”
