Thousands of Kenyans, mostly women, marched through Nairobi's central business district on June 1 demanding urgent government measures to tackle rising femicide and child disappearances [1]. The demonstration disrupted traffic and featured a memorial gathering to honor victims.
Organized by the End Femicide movement along with women's rights, human rights, and child protection groups, the protesters called on President William Ruto to declare gender killings and child disappearances a national emergency [1]. Protesters held placards with slogans such as "End Femicide," "Enough is Enough," "Stop Killing Women," and "End Pedicide," and dressed mostly in white while carrying symbolic coffins decorated with flower petals during an emotional tribute [1].
A prominent memorial wall listing the names of victims stood at the center of the gathering with the message "Stop Femicide in Kenya" [1]. Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga joined the march and urged stronger government action against the killings [1].
Many participants expressed frustration that government leaders have not done enough to address the crisis. Businesswoman Rebecca Mugure said, "It is sad that our leaders are silent, but we are on the streets to correct that. Together they will listen" [1]. Student Mercy Wanjiku added, "Many young people are being killed, young girls and women. This needs to stop. That is why we all came out today dressed in these white T-shirts with the message ‘End Femicide’ and ‘End Pedicide.’ Many children are disappearing. You check social media and see families holding posters of missing children" [1].
In May 2026, Kenya's Children Services Principal Secretary reported 10,581 child protection cases recorded between January 2025 and March 2026, highlighting the scale of the problem [1].
The protest aimed to pressure authorities and highlight what organizers described as a worsening crisis of violence against women and children [1].
