'No parent should bury their child': Kenyan mothers speak out against police brutality, extrajudicial killings
In their statement, the Mothers of Kenya condemned escalating police violence and called for justice for victims of protest-related killings, including that of Albert Ojwang.
“A parent should never have to bury their child.” This was the message Kenyan mothers sought to deliver during a press briefing convened at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices on Sunday.
However, the event took a violent turn when armed attackers stormed the venue, disrupted the proceedings, and robbed attendees, allegedly claiming the meeting was linked to Saba Saba protest planning.
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The mothers, under the banner 'Mothers of Kenya', had gathered to call for justice, police accountability, and protection of peaceful protesters ahead of Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations. But their emotionally charged address was suddenly halted when a group of armed individuals invaded the compound, shouting that the meeting could not proceed.
In their statement, the Mothers of Kenya condemned escalating police violence and called for justice for victims of protest-related killings, including that of Albert Ojwang.
“We condemn the police brutality that’s tearing our communities and country apart. We're not just caregivers; we're the nation's moral compass, nurturing hope and guiding its conscience. We bear the weight of our children's future and we demand a safer, more just Kenya for our children,” the mothers said.
They invoked the legacy of women who occupied Freedom Corner between 1992 and 1993, saying their courage continues to inspire the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.
The mothers demanded an immediate end to police excesses, noting that no child should lose their life while exercising their constitutional right to protest.
“As mothers, we cannot bear the thought of our children's lives being cut short by senseless violence. Life is sacred!! No one should ever take it away. The anguish of losing a child during peaceful protests is a wound that never heals. A parent should never have to bury their child,” they said.
“We stand united, demanding justice, transparency, and accountability from those entrusted to protect our families. No more lives should be lost to brutality and impunity. We call on law enforcement to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect for human life.”
They also expressed alarm over the lack of protection for women during protests, condemning cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and criticising female leaders who have remained silent or supported restrictive protest laws.
“Protesting is a right, not a risk. No woman or girl should face violence, harassment, abuse or rape simply for speaking up. It’s honestly disappointing to see women in leadership staying silent – or even supporting public order laws that make it harder for the rest of us to speak up,” they added.
The Mothers of Kenya further voiced strong support for peaceful protests and youth activism, urging President William Ruto and national institutions to refrain from labelling young demonstrators as criminals.
“Mr. President, words have power, and we do not accept our children being labelled as terrorists or criminals simply because they see their future differently. They have a right to dream, speak, and demand better,” they said.
Calling for national dialogue anchored on truth, justice, reconciliation, and reform, the mothers expressed a vision for a Kenya rooted in fairness, safety and opportunity.
They called on the National Police Service to refrain from any unlawful or excessive use of force during the Saba Saba protest scheduled for Monday, July 7, insisting that law enforcement must uphold constitutional rights and protect, rather than endanger, demonstrators.
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The mothers further urged security agencies to ensure that any officers who violate these standards are swiftly arrested, charged, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. They warned that impunity within the ranks of the police cannot be tolerated, and stressed that accountability must extend to senior leadership, including the Inspector General, particularly in cases involving the deployment of armed groups to disrupt peaceful gatherings.
They further pressed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to conduct transparent inquiries into all protest-related killings that occurred in 2024 and 2025.
The group also raised alarm over widespread reports of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) targeting women and girls during demonstrations. They called for immediate justice and reparations for survivors and urged authorities to take meaningful action to end all forms of SGBV in the context of protests.
Despite the disruption, the Mothers of Kenya vowed to continue speaking out as active citizens.
“The spirit of Kenya is resilient, but it cannot thrive under repression. We will continue to raise our voices until every Kenyan, regardless of background or belief, can walk freely, speak boldly, and live safely,” the mothers said.
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