Kenyans march in pro-miniskirt protest

Nairobi (AFP) - Hundreds of Kenyans marched through the streets of Nairobi on Monday to protest at the stripping of a woman wearing a miniskirt, saying they had the right to wear what they want.

Protesters turned out to show their outrage following the widespread circulation on social media of a video showing a woman being attacked and stripped by a mob last week in central Nairobi after they said her skirt was too tight and short.

"Violence affects women, men, boys and girls, and if left to continue gaining currency, will deny us healthy relationships," organiser Ruth Knaust told Capital FM radio.

"My dress, my choice," read banners and flags carried by the demonstrators, the majority of them women, and many themselves wearing short fitted clothing.

"Dignity, respect and justice for all," read another sign.

With supporters singing and chanting, the crowd called for an end to violence against women.

"Women are being assaulted," protester Diana Okello said. "We especially want to know what the women we chose as leaders are doing."

Men also took part in the protest, which brought city centre traffic to a standstill, but demonstrators also came out in opposition demanding women wear more conservative clothes.

"A female colleague was spat on and touched by the goons who were paid to harass the peaceful protestors," charged activist Boniface Mwangi, who himself wore a dress in solidarity with women.

Kenya's Public Prosecution office has said the video of the attack would be analysed "with a view to identifying, apprehending and immediately bringing to justice the perpetrators of this heinous incident".