Activists forcefully entered the office of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir on Friday, May 22, calling for measures against growing incidents of femicide and gender-based violence in the area and throughout Kenya.
The protest follows heightened nationwide demonstrations against femicide, ignited by the killing of gospel singer Rachel Wandeto, who was assaulted by unknown persons in Mwiki, covered with fuel, and burned alive.
Footage from the location reveals protesters striking the entrance to the governor’s office before proceeding past an unidentified guard stationed there.
Demonstrators assembled outside the premises, reciting “We want a policy,” while pushing officials to establish enhanced safeguards for at-risk populations.
Accounts suggest the entry was part of a scheduled event where numerous activists walked peacefully along Moi Avenue in Mombasa.
The parade commenced at Pembe Za Ndovu and traversed significant portions of the urban center, capturing the attention of local residents and vehicle operators.
Activists bore signs and posters demanding an end to the acceptance of violence toward women and girls. Notable messages highlighted the necessity for justice, protection for victims, and responsibility for the deaths of women and children under mysterious conditions.
The rally was spearheaded by advocates affiliated with the EndFemicideKe initiative, an organization persistently advocating for more rigorous legislation and improved implementation to reduce gender-based violence in Kenya.
Neighborhood associations also took part in the gathering, including Harbour of Healing Hearts and the Amkeni Community Organization affiliated with the Nyali Social Justice Center.
The demonstration was mostly nonviolent, with no reports of aggression, intensification, or security force involvement. Governor Nassir’s administration likewise did not promptly issue a comment about the protest.
Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo denounced the increasing incidents in the nation, labeling them a national crisis.
Additionally, on May 14, the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services acted to counter the mounting instances of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child mistreatment in the Central region by introducing a (RRI).