Kenyan government defends protest crackdown after UN raises alarm over rights violations
Mudavadi reassured the UN that these matters were already under active investigation by independent constitutional bodies, including the Judiciary, the ODPP, and IPOA.
Kenya has responded to the United Nations’ concerns over alleged human rights violations, including police brutality, arbitrary arrests and restrictions on the media during the June 25, 2025, protests.
In a letter dated October 27, 2025, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the government’s handling of the demonstrations, noting that all actions taken were in line with national law and international human rights obligations.
More To Read
- DPP granted 30 days to review Mawego Police Station arson case files
- Treasury reports fastest tax growth in two years amid July protests
- Ruto announces 120-day compensation framework for protest victims
- Government sued for "systematic abuse of power" over terrorism charges against protesters
- Police Constable Klinzy Baraza charged with murder of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki during June 25 protests
- IPOA report blames police for deaths, injuries and failures in June-July protests
In his detailed response, Mudavadi acknowledged receipt of the UN’s communication sent on August 5, 2025, which raised questions over violations against human rights defenders, journalists and civil society actors during anti-government demonstrations.
The UN had highlighted accusations that police officers raided media houses to stop live protest coverage and that the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) had issued a directive banning live broadcasts of the demonstrations.
The UN also raised concerns over the arrests and detentions of human rights defenders Mark Amiani, John Mulingwa Nzau, Francis Mutunge Mwangi and Boniface Mwangi, the deportation of Ugandan legal adviser Martin Mavenjina from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), and the disruption of a KHRC press conference by unidentified armed individuals.
Mudavadi reassured the UN that these matters were already under active investigation by independent constitutional bodies, including the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). He emphasised that all arrests and prosecutions followed due process, with individuals charged and produced in court within 24 hours as required by law.
He further clarified that the June 25 CA directive halting live protest broadcasts was suspended by the High Court pending constitutional review. IPOA had also opened inquests into all 16 deaths reported during the demonstrations.
“Kenya takes the concerns raised in your Joint Communication seriously, both as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and as a stable democracy that upholds freedoms of speech, press, fair trial and peaceful assembly, including demonstration, picketing, and petitioning,” Mudavadi said.
The Foreign Affairs CS also highlighted the establishment of a 14-member panel in August 2025 tasked with proposing compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests, though the panel’s work is currently under court review.
“The Government of Kenya reaffirms its commitment to democracy, rule of law and international human rights obligations. We regret the absence of a response to UA KEN 4/2024 and assure you that this oversight will not recur,” Mudavadi said.
The UN had previously expressed concern over Kenya’s lack of response to communications sent by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor. Lawlor, in letters dated October 1, 2024, and August 5, 2025, had sought information on arbitrary arrests, detentions, deportations, prosecutions of human rights defenders and alleged excessive use of force during protests, including the June 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
“The letters sought to bring to the attention of your Excellency’s Government information we have received concerning alleged violations of human rights defenders, media, and civil society,” Lawlor said.
She added that the whereabouts of many protestors remain unknown and warned that continued non-response could prompt the UN to publicly raise its concerns.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has documented multiple instances of excessive force, including fatal shootings, injuries, assaults and abductions during the protests. Lawlor emphasised that all Kenyans are protected from arbitrary detention and torture under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified by Kenya on May 1, 1972.
“The allegations regarding the crackdown on protestors raise serious concerns over grave violations of international human rights law that may cause irreparable damage to the life and personal integrity of those involved, which we believe warrants prompt attention,” Lawlor said.
Specific incidents cited by the UN included preventing media coverage of the June 25, 2025, protests and arrests of human rights defenders Amiani, Nzau, Mutunge Mwangi, and Mwangi. Mavenjina was deported without explanation, while a KHRC press conference was violently disrupted in the presence of police.
Lawlor’s letters requested details on the number of detained protestors, whether formal charges were laid, access to lawyers and whether investigations into enforced disappearances had been conducted. She warned that confirmed violations must be met with accountability.
Top Stories Today
