In a report released on Thursday June 26, the Kenya Women Senators KEWOSA strongly condemned the violence that erupted during the nationwide protests on 25th June 2025.
(KEWOSA) have fiercely condemned any form of sexual violation meted on women and girls most particularly during demonstrations.
The demonstrations held on Wednesday, June 25 were in honor of June 25, 2024 Anti-government finance bill fallen heroes.
However, it turned ugly, leading to over 15 people dead, injuries loss of properties with women and girls facing the brunt force of sexual violence.
Led by their Chairperson, Sen. Veronica Maina, strongly condemned the violence that erupted during the nationwide protests on 25th June 2025.
While describing the events, Ms Maina affirms that the senseless violence led to “fatalities, grievous bodily harm, other injuries, rape, and molestation of innocent women and girls.”
This comes at a time when Kenya National Human rights reports says during the June 25, 2025 protests two cases of rape were reported, one case of gang rape and three cases of attempted rape.
The Association emotionally expressed a concern of the disturbing reports stating that the heinous acts were being celebrated on social media.
“We particularly decry the violence meted out on women and girls, including acts of sexual violence, which are, shockingly, being glorified by perpetrators and some members of the public online,” partly reads the statement.
In addition, KEWOSA insisted that demos should not be held at the expense of women. “sexual violence is a grave violation of human rights. Such misconduct during protests is a deliberate attempt to silence, intimidate, and prevent women and girls from exercising their constitutional rights to assembly and expression as stated under article 33 and 37.”
“The targeting of women and sexual violence in particular is a deplorable act that must be condemned by everyone. Why should demonstrations target the bodies of women and girls? How does the rape of women and girls assist anyone to achieve their objectives?” Kewosa asked.
They further urged the State Department for Gender and the National Gender and Equality Commission to provide immediate medical and psychological support to survivors.
“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 said.
In the spirit of accountability, senators called upon the organisers of the demonstrations to state their position on the acts of violence that took place on 25th June, 2025.
The women of good will further urged the authorities (DCI and ODPP) to step in and investigate and prosecute sexual predators
“Violence has no place in a democratic society. It undermines progress. The strength of our nation lies in fostering a peaceful environment where every citizen, especially women and girls, can thrive.”
They promised to stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual violence and reaffirm their commitment to continue advocating for a society where women and girls can participate fully and safely in all aspects of public life, free from fear and violence. Members of the public were urged to embrace peace and unity and denounce violence.
“We call upon the members of the public to choose peace over violence. Violence has no place in a democratic society, as it hinders progress. Our nation’s strength lies in fostering a peaceful environment where we can all thrive. We urge all of us to uphold peace.”
Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are however encouraged to seek help by calling the toll-free number 0800 720 501.
