The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has raised alarm over the lack of police response following a violent attack on its offices last Sunday, despite clear CCTV footage capturing the perpetrators. The incident, which occurred during a press conference by mothers of victims of police brutality, has sparked outrage among rights groups and civil society organizations.
According to KHRC, a group of youths violently breached the perimeter wall of its Gitanga Road offices, disrupted the event, manhandled the grieving mothers and journalists, and made away with valuable electronics. The lobby has since shared CCTV footage clearly showing the faces of the assailants and appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take action.
“State-sponsored militia attacked two journalists and stole a laptop and phones during a press conference by Kenyan mothers condemning arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings,” KHRC stated.
Despite mounting pressure, including evidence and public appeals, the police have remained silent. This silence contrasts sharply with the swift arrests made during the recent Saba Saba protests, where demonstrators were quickly apprehended for damaging property.
Human rights defenders are now questioning whether the attackers enjoyed protection or direction from elements within the state. Under the Police Reforms Working Group, organizations like Defenders Coalition have warned of increasing harassment, surveillance, and trumped-up charges targeting activists.
The arrests of prominent activists such as John Nzau (Garang), Mark Amiani (Generali), and Francis Mwangi (Chebukati) have only deepened concerns. Civil society warns that the space for human rights advocacy in Kenya is shrinking rapidly.
“We note with concern that the working environment for frontline human rights defenders and civil society in Kenya continues to deteriorate,” read a joint statement by the coalition.
The attack on KHRC and subsequent police inaction represents a dangerous erosion of democratic space. Without urgent accountability and transparent investigations, public trust in justice institutions is at risk. As calls grow louder for justice and protection of human rights defenders, all eyes are now on the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of those who speak truth to power.
