ICJ-Kenya appoints Demas Kiprono as executive director
ICJ Kenya has named human rights lawyer Demas Kiprono as Executive Director from January 2026, succeeding Eric Mukoya, highlighting his record in digital rights and strategic litigation.
The Kenya section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has announced the appointment of Demas Kiprono as its new Executive Director, starting January 2026.
He takes over from Eric Mukoya, who has served in that capacity since January 2025.
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The Commission, in a statement, described Kiprono as a transformative leader from within, noting that he has already elevated ICJ's work in digital rights and visibility during his term as Deputy Executive Director.
They added that the seasoned human rights campaigner has shaped regional jurisprudence through strategic litigation, notably by helping decriminalize defamation and challenging laws restricting civil space.
"We are excited to welcome Demas's expertise and vision as we advance our mission for justice, human rights and the rule of law," said ICJ.
Kiprono, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, also holds a Masters in Law degree in International Criminal and International Human Rights from Bangor University, UK.
His work in the Human Rights space spans over 14 years, having previously served at Amnesty International Kenya, ARTICLE 19 and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
In an earlier interview, Kiprono said his bias for championing good policing practices and human rights within law enforcement was driven by his earlier experiences, having lived through the tribal clashes in the 1990s, and the atrocities that were committed during the 2007/08 post-election violence.
"My role for the last 12 years has been to ensure that Kenyans finally get the policing that they promulgated and deserve, where human dignity, rights, and the constitution are the yardstick and not cyclical regime politics. Where police human resource management and welfare are catered to allow officers to thrive as dignified professionals," he said.
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