CCTV exposes how goons violently invaded KHRC offices
The harrowing incident occurred on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Saba Saba demonstrations slated for Monday, July 7.
CCTV footage has emerged showing how hired goons stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices in Nairobi, disrupting a conference calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The harrowing incident occurred on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Saba Saba demonstrations slated for Monday, July 7.
The footage shared on KHRC's X page captured the moment more than 10 boda boda riders arrived at the organisation's offices at 2:08 pm. Each motorcycle ferried between two to three individuals, most of whom were wearing masks to conceal their identities.
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Upon arrival, the riders and their pillion passengers rushed toward the main gate, overpowering two security guards who attempted to lock the pedestrian entry point.
The goons then forced the main gate open and entered the premises, where they confronted the staff. Some were heard asking, "Are you planning protests?" to which a female security guard responded, "There is no protest."
On a separate angle, the goons are seen entering a section of the compound where the conference was seemingly underway, forcing the attendees to scatter in panic. Screams can be heard in the background as the goons disrupt proceedings.
At one point, a woman carrying a child drops her mobile phone as she runs for safety. It is quickly picked up by one of the goons. A man seemingly attempts to retrieve it but is assaulted by other goons.
As this happened, more goons, some brandishing clubs, gathered at the gate. They are captured briefly roughing up security guards before the CCTV footage ends.
In a statement accompanying the footage, KHRC condemned the incident, asserting that it was planned and executed by the ruling regime to intimidate human rights defenders.
"This was a calculated escalation in the campaign of intimidation by the William Ruto regime against the KHRC following the extraordinary legal rendition of our staff Martin Mavenjina- and human rights defenders holding it accountable for gross human rights violations," KHRC said. "We will not be silenced! The Constitution protects our right to protest and speak out. See you on the streets on Monday!"
Earlier in the day, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) shared KHRC's sentiments, describing the incident as a deliberate effort to silence human rights defenders.
The civil society groups subsequently demanded an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urged relevant authorities to guarantee the safety and security of human rights advocates.
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