Nairobi women leaders across the region address the media at the Lagos hotel where they voiced their concern over increased intimidation and harassment on their members.
Photo by Fred maingi

Women Leaders Raise Alarm Over Rising Intimidation and Harassment

By Fred Maingi

Women leaders from across Nairobi have expressed growing concern over what they describe as increasing intimidation, harassment and attacks against organizations and individuals working to promote public accountability and protect civic space in Kenya.

Addressing the media on Tuesday in Nairobi, the women, including chama leaders, mama mbogas, salon owners, caregivers, farmers, traders and community organizers — warned that attacks targeting civil society organizations undermine the ability of ordinary citizens to demand transparency and accountability from those entrusted with public resources.

They emphasized that civil society organizations play a vital role in empowering communities to question delays and failures in public service delivery, including stalled infrastructure projects, under-equipped health facilities and unfulfilled development promises.

“Why is our dispensary still without medicine? Why is our market unfinished? Why are our roads still impassable despite millions being allocated?” the statement posed, stressing that such questions are essential for ensuring responsible governance.

The women leaders noted that intimidation directed at accountability advocates sends a chilling message to ordinary citizens, particularly those at the grassroots level who often lack the influence and protection enjoyed by larger institutions.

“If organizations with lawyers, national visibility and public support can be intimidated for demanding accountability, what protection remains for an ordinary woman questioning the misuse of public resources in her own community?” the statement asked.

They further argued that weak accountability systems disproportionately affect women and families, who bear the social and economic burden of failing public services. Among the concerns cited were shortages of medicine in health facilities, neglected markets, unreliable water supplies and abandoned development projects — all of which directly impact livelihoods and household welfare.

The statement also raised alarm over reports of unlawful surveillance, office raids, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and the targeting of civic actors. The leaders warned that such actions create a climate of fear that discourages citizens from participating in democratic processes and holding leaders accountable.

“A country where citizens fear asking questions is a country where corruption flourishes unchecked,” the women said.

The grassroots leaders called on the Government of Kenya to end intimidation and harassment targeting civil society organizations and human rights defenders, investigate alleged abuses against civic actors and guarantee the safety of community organizers and grassroots women advocating for transparency.

They also urged authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms, including the rights to organize, speak freely and hold leaders accountable without fear of retaliation.

Warning that today’s targets could easily be tomorrow’s ordinary citizens seeking answers about local projects and public spending, the women pledged to continue mobilizing their communities in the fight for transparent leadership.