Ex-CJ David Maraga slams President William Ruto after armed goons storm KHRC offices
The Sunday incident occurred at KHRC’s offices along Gitanga Road, where a press conference had been convened by Kenyan mothers and human rights defenders to denounce increasing state repression.
A press briefing meant to raise awareness about state violence ahead of the Saba Saba commemorations ended in chaos after a gang of armed attackers raided the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices, robbing attendees and halting the event.
The Sunday incident occurred at KHRC’s offices along Gitanga Road, where a press conference had been convened by Kenyan mothers and human rights defenders to denounce increasing state repression.
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The attackers, described as armed goons, stormed the venue, shouting that the meeting would not proceed as it was linked to planning the Saba Saba protests slated for July 7.
Eyewitnesses said the group appeared to have been sent on a mission to disrupt the event, with some shouting threats and accusations that the meeting was fuelling anti-government mobilisations. The violent interruption left several attendees, including journalists, robbed of personal belongings, while electronic items from the KHRC offices were also carted away.
The attackers also reportedly took off with part of the public address system and other office equipment before police were alerted.
“Today, as women, as mothers of this country, we had gathered here just to pray together, to raise our voices and to agitate for lawful and peaceful protest, as well as the protection of our children. The Kenyan government, instead of protecting women, sent goons into a safe space like the Kenya Human Rights Commission to attack women,” one of the attendees lamented.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga condemned the incident, calling for an end of state repression.
“I vehemently condemn the violence against mothers gathered at KHRC to speak up against the use of violence at tomorrow’s Saba Saba commemoration,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
“As I have said before, President Ruto must stop using armed militias against citizens. This is not only a violation of our Constitution, but it will also lead the country into instability and anarchy. Ruto, simply, has to stop this madness!”
The Women in Social Justice Centres also expressed outrage over the attack and the silencing of women speaking out against state violence.
“We stand in full solidarity with the courageous Kenyan mothers. We condemn the attack by goons today as they violently disrupt the press briefing at the KHRC offices,” the statement read.
“We strongly condemn the attack meant to intimidate women demanding justice for their children. We are yet to fully speak about the horrific cases of women who were gang raped during the protests on June 25, and now we witness this violent silencing of Kenyan mothers and defenders at KHRC. The attacks on women’s bodies and voices must end.”
The timing of the incident comes amid heightened tensions over planned Saba Saba protests, which mark a significant date in Kenya’s pro-democracy history.
Every year on July 7, Kenyans commemorate the Saba Saba movement, which began in 1990 as a rallying cry for multiparty democracy under the single-party rule of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) led by then-President Daniel arap Moi.
On that day in 1990, opposition leaders Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga defied a government ban to call for a rally at Kamukunji Grounds, igniting a wave of unrest. Riot police cracked down on the protesters, leading to detentions without trial and several deaths. Matiba and Rubia were arrested, and Odinga, already a symbol of opposition resistance, stood firm in support of democratic reforms.
James Orengo, then a young lawyer, was among those detained for participating in the movement. Orange Democratic Movement Leader Raila Odinga had also faced detention in the 1980s for his role in earlier reform campaigns and later became a central voice in pushing for constitutional changes and electoral justice.
Other key figures in the struggle included Koigi wa Wamwere, detained in 1990 for his activism; Wangari Maathai, who mobilised women against state repression; and Paul Muite, who championed constitutional reforms.
Over the years, Saba Saba commemorations have evolved, with civil society leaders like Maina Kiai, Boniface Mwangi, and Jerotich Seii using the day to highlight issues ranging from police brutality to economic injustice and electoral reforms.
In anticipation of this year’s events, several businesses and schools have closed, citing fears of unrest and looting. Despite the concerns, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has insisted that all civil servants must report to work on Monday.
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