Mombasa residents protest surge in femicide cases, demand government action
via Tuko3 min read
Mombasa residents, led by the activist group VOCAL Africa, held peaceful demonstrations on Wednesday to protest the rising number of femicide cases in the region. Protesters, carrying placards, demanded that the Kenyan government declare femicide a national disaster and take accountability for systemic failures. VOCAL Africa stated their solidarity in condemning the surge of femicide and violence against women and girls across Kenya, urging for urgent, life-saving action and an end to the silence. The demonstration follows the recent discovery of seven-year-old Bernadete Keziah, who was found killed after going missing from her home in Kilifi County. According to Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa, the increasing cases of murdered and defiled women and girls indicate a failure by the state, counties, and police to protect women and ensure their safety. Bernadete Keziah's body was found dumped by the roadside near her home, and an autopsy report indicated she was assaulted and strangled.
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The 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference in Nairobi commenced with a community street art activation, replacing a traditional opening ceremony. Artists created murals depicting visions for Nairobi's future, engaging residents, policymakers, climate experts, and international delegates. Annaclaudia Rossbach of UN-Habitat stated the event strengthens the connection between global institutions and local communities, reflecting Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities. Andy Deacon, Managing Director of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, noted the murals symbolize the conference's mission to connect people, ideas, and climate solutions. Nairobi County officials, including Chief Officer Zipora Mwangi, highlighted the initiative's alignment with Governor Johnson Sakaja鈥檚 vision to integrate the creative economy into urban development and improve public spaces. Joy Mboya, Director of the GoDown Arts Centre, expressed optimism for the initiative's lasting impact and its encouragement of public participation in climate and urban development discussions. This street art activation marks the beginning of the first African edition of Innovate4Cities, hosted at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, aiming to keep residents' voices central to discussions on climate resilience and urban planning.
Must ReadInterior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a warning against violent demonstrations ahead of planned June 25 protests, stating that the government will not tolerate criminal conduct. Speaking at Oriwo Boys National School, Omollo clarified that while peaceful picketing and petitioning are protected constitutional rights, demonstrators must be unarmed and respect the rights of others. He emphasized that armed individuals become criminals, and the law is clear on this. Omollo also stated that security agencies will protect citizens who choose not to participate in the demonstrations, ensuring their daily routines are not disrupted. Additionally, he highlighted significant government investments in the education sector under President William Ruto's administration, noting the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over the past three years and the state's commitment to quality education.
Must ReadThe 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference I4C26 is being held in Nairobi from June 21 to 24, marking the first time this global climate and urban development forum has taken place in Africa. Hosted by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy GCoM and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme UN-Habitat, the event brings together over 1,000 global participants, including leaders from government, academia, business, and civil society. Nairobi's selection highlights Kenya's growing role in climate adaptation and urban resilience, particularly for rapidly expanding cities in the Global South. GCoM Co-Managing Director Andy Deacon emphasized the conference's role in bridging climate research and policy implementation, focusing on African leadership and innovation. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl谩udia Rossbach highlighted the importance of investing in adequate housing for resilient communities. Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson expressed pride in hosting the delegation, noting the opportunity to translate climate science into urban policy. The conference features over 100 sessions across five thematic tracks: Multilevel Governance & Partnerships, Housing & Infrastructure, Digitalisation & AI, Justice & Equity, and Finance & Implementation. Key highlights include plenary discussions with mayors, workshops on local government climate financing, and an AI x City Climate Action Hackathon. I4C26 will also host an in-person expert review of the draft Intergovernmental Panel