Protesters in Kenya call for national crisis declaration over gender-based violence

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Hundreds of women marched in Kenya ’s capital Monday to call for the government to urgently investigate what advocacy groups say is an increase in killings and other violence against women.

Women’s rights organizations have urged the government to declare gender-based violence a national crisis, and have seized on the recent killing of a singer who was doused with gasoline and set on fire to mobilize support.

The women walked under police escort through the streets of Nairobi carrying a coffin and holding placards saying “Stop Killing Women." The protesters also sought to raise awareness about reports of a recent rise in the disappearances of children. Gender Minister Hannah Wendot last week called for prompt investigations into the disappearances.

Protester Ruby Abura said she had been stabbed by her lover, and that her mother was killed. “My mom is just but an example. A lot women have been killed, and no one is doing anything. We can’t see our women leaders acting on it, and it is not right,” she said.

Police said late last month that they had formed a unit to investigate gender-based violence, bringing together criminal intelligence analysts, forensic experts, homicide investigators and other specialists. The police said that most gender-based violence cases are linked to domestic disputes, intimate partner violence, sexual offences, assault and unresolved family conflicts.

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya says it receives about 70 gender-based violence cases every week across its three offices in Nairobi, the port city of Mombasa and the lakeside city of Kisumu.

Lobby groups on May 21 issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government to declare a national crisis or face nationwide protests. However, they decided to start protests sooner.

Demonstrators carry a coffin, during a march against rising cases of femicide, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)

Demonstrators carry a coffin, during a march against rising cases of femicide, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)

Demonstrators hold placards, during a march against rising cases of femicide, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)

A demonstrator holds a doll wrapped in a Kenyan flag, during a march against rising cases of femicide, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)

Demonstrators carry a coffin, during a march against rising cases of femicide, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Reporters and the public will be allowed to attend a key upcoming hearing for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, after a Utah judge on Monday denied a defense request to restrict access.

Tyler Robinson’s defense team had asked Judge Tony Graf to close portions of the preliminary hearing on July 6-10, when prosecutors must show they have enough evidence to warrant a trial. It will mark the most significant presentation of evidence to date in a case that has so far focused on matters of media access.

“The public and the media enjoy a presumptive right to access court proceedings, including preliminary hearings,” Graf said during his ruling. He said the defense hadn’t shown that presenting the evidence publicly would deny Robinson a fair trial.

Robinson's lawyers have tried to guard against media coverage that they say sometimes misrepresents their client as his case has drawn tremendous public attention. The 23-year-old from southwestern Utah is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 assassination of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus.

Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.

Prosecutors argued that the preliminary hearing should remain open, but they agreed with the defense that media should be limited from viewing or copying some exhibits that could be used in a future trial. They plan to introduce forensic analyses, surveillance video, recordings of witness statements, autopsy findings and alleged messages from Robinson admitting to the crime.

Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle. Prosecutors also have said Robinson left a note for his romantic partner that read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

Graf also granted defense attorneys' request for a hearing on June 12 in which they will argue that prosecutors should be punished for comments they made in the media. Robinson's lawyers have said one prosecutor, Christopher Ballard, essentially went on a “media tour” in which he made “expressions of opinion as to Mr. Robinson’s guilt.”

Prosecutors responded to the claims last month, saying Ballard had a right to correct misinformation in the media about an inconclusive, preliminary finding by ballistics experts, which led to speculation about Robinson’s possible exoneration. They said Ballard did not make any statement of opinion about guilt.

Tyler Robinson, left, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in the 4th District Court in Provo, Utah, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool)