KNCHR Raises Red Flag Over Growing Threats to Kenya’s Human Rights Defenders.

 KNCHR Raises Red Flag Over Growing Threats to Kenya’s Human Rights Defenders.

Nairobi, August 13, 2025.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has today at Safari Club hotel in Nairobi released a landmark assessment exposing stark gaps in the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs), warning that civic space is under serious threat despite the country’s progressive legal framework.

The report, “The Right to Defend Rights: An Assessment of the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya (2020–2022),” is the most comprehensive, data-driven review yet of the challenges faced by Human Rights Defenders. It reveals a troubling pattern of violence, intimidation, and inadequate state protection, with Kenya scoring just 36 percent in its overall protective framework for defenders.

Additionally between 2020 and 2022, at least seven Human Rights Defenders were killed or forcibly disappeared, while 134 were arbitrarily detained, most cases going uninvestigated. Those working on land rights, corruption, minority protections, and sexual orientation issues were disproportionately targeted, often facing surveillance and reprisals.

The report also highlights the persistent misuse of the Public Order Act by law enforcement to block or violently disperse peaceful protests, undermining constitutional freedoms and international obligations. Kenya’s protection of peaceful assembly stands at only 40 percent, with cases of police misconduct including lethal force documented.

While Kenya scored relatively high in freedom of expression (72%) and access to information (90%), the Commission warned that Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) continue to stifle dissent. It cited a recent case involving Kakuzi PLC’s legal action against civil society groups as evidence of ongoing attempts to muzzle critics.

Progress was noted in political participation, scoring 75 percent, particularly in election inclusivity. However, representation of persons with disabilities in Parliament remains at a mere one percent, underscoring the need for stronger affirmative measures.

The report further flags weaknesses in human rights education, noting its absence from secondary and tertiary curricula and inconsistent integration into law enforcement and military training, a gap that perpetuates violations and undermines respect for defenders.

KNCHR is now urging urgent, multi-sectoral reforms, Enacting specific legislation to recognize and protect Humans Right Defenders, investigating and prosecuting violations, including killings and arbitrary arrests, ratifying outstanding international treaties such as the Convention on Enforced Disappearance, strengthening human rights education across all sectors, reforming public order and NGO regulatory laws to safeguard civic space and fully implementing the National Coroners Service Act for impartial death investigations.

"As a country, we have developed robust laws and policies, but in practice, freedom of assembly, association and the protection of those who champion rights are poorly upheld," Assistant Director at KNCHR Mr. Samson Omondi said."Security regulators must take the law seriously. The promotion and protection of human rights is a live exercise, it has no timeline."

Commission officials stressed that without decisive action, Kenya risks eroding the very democratic gains anchored in its 2010 Constitution.

“This report is both a warning and a roadmap,” KNCHR noted. “The right to defend rights is the lifeblood of any democracy. Protecting defenders is protecting the nation’s future.”

 KNCHR urged authorities to ensure public participation in policymaking, broaden the focus beyond mere compensation to include justice and systemic reforms, and open spaces for accountability.

"Our human rights challenges did not start with the police brutality" Assistant Director Mr. Samson said."Reparations involve more than money, they must include truth, justice and guarantees of non-repetition."