Kenya’s crackdown on activists spotlighted at AU rights summit
In recent months, activists have been prosecuted under severe provisions, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (2012) and robbery with violence charges under the Penal Code.
Concerns over Kenya’s treatment of peaceful activists and human rights defenders have drawn sharp criticism at a major African Union (AU) gathering.
The Defenders Coalition, an organisation promoting the protection and welfare of human rights defenders, highlighted the increasing repression faced by activists during the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
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The group warned that the government’s use of strict laws and punitive measures is threatening freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The coalition said that Kenyans exercising their right to protest are frequently met with excessive force by law enforcement and subjected to arbitrary arrests.
In recent months, activists have been prosecuted under severe provisions, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (2012) and robbery with violence charges under the Penal Code.
In June 2025, three human rights defenders were detained for five days before being granted release on a Sh200,000 cash bail each, a sum deemed impossible to pay without external help.
According to the group, such actions are deliberately designed to discourage dissent and instil fear among critics of the government.
The group also raised the case of Rose Njeri, a software developer and human rights defender, who was arrested on June 2 and held beyond the constitutionally allowed 72 hours.
Njeri had created a digital platform that allowed citizens to submit feedback on the proposed Finance Bill, 2025. She faced allegations of interfering with a computer system but was released without any charges.
The Defenders Coalition said this case exemplifies the growing risks for activists working in digital spaces, where their work can easily be misinterpreted as a criminal offence.
“Kenya must recognise the critical role that human rights defenders play in advancing freedoms and rights. It is time to develop a national policy to protect them,” the coalition stated, urging the government to implement clear protections for activists.
Beyond domestic issues, the coalition expressed concern over violations affecting human rights defenders across East Africa.
It referenced the May 19 arrest and torture of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire in Tanzania, where they had gone to monitor the trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu. The two remain without resolution in their case.
Another worrying incident involved the disappearance of two Kenyan defenders, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, in Uganda on October 1 while supporting opposition politician Bobi Wine.
Over 20 days later, their location is still unknown, and Ugandan authorities claim no knowledge of their detention.
The coalition also pointed to Kenya’s lag in implementing international human rights commitments.
During the Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council’s 49th Session, Kenya received 339 recommendations and accepted 232. However, the group said progress has been minimal due to a lack of political will, calling for urgent reforms to uphold the rights of activists.
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