Appreciation statement for mass funds drive for bail processing during #SabasabaMarchForOurLives 2020

Defenders Coalition appreciates the hundreds of Kenyans and friends of Kenya who contributed to the mass funds drive- bail processing kitty for human rights defenders who were arrested during the #SabasabaMarchForOurLives march on 7 July 2020.

The arrested HRDs were commemorating what started 30 years ago, when gallant Kenyas brazed teargas, beatings, injuries, torture to say no to dictatorship by Marching to Kamukunji grounds to call for liberation. In 2020, human rights defenders from various justice centres across the country staged a commemorative event, to reflect on the dissident conduct of the government towards the adoption of one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.

However, Police Officers disrupted the peaceful processions by unleashing unbelievable violence and embarked on an arresting spree where 63 human rights defenders were arrested across Nairobi. The arrested were detained in four police stations as follows: Kilimani Police Station(18), Kayole Police Station(12), Central Police Station(25) and Muthaiga Police Station(8).

1. The 8 HRDs held at Muthaiga Police station were released with no charges.
2. 18 HRDs detained at Kilimani Police Station were charged with “Picketing”. 9 of them were required back to the said police station on 10th July 2020 and the rest on 13th July 2020 as police said that they were undertaking investigations into the conduct of the HRDS.
3. 12 Human Rights Defenders that were being held in Kayole Police station were charged with ‘failure to keep social distance”. They were released on a cash bail of Kshs. 5000 each.
4. The 25 HRDs held in Central police Station have been released on a free police bond. Of the 25, only 5 were processed with charge sheets and were required to and reported to the said police station on Friday 10th July 2020 on behalf of the other 20. They were charged with “unlawful assembly”.

Amongst the many interventions that aimed at securing their release from unlawful police custody, Defenders Coalition embarked on a mass funds drive. The fundraising initiative raised  Kshs. 770,494 (Seven hundred and seventy thousand, four hundred and ninety four shillings).

These funds have already been/will be used towards

• Supporting HRDs legal representation
• Already supported in processing bail
• Food and transport for the arrested HRDs
• Litigation of the criminal cases

Defenders Coalition is wishes to express its gratitude to Tunawiri- an organization that works to assist grass-root organizations in crowdfunding and who were instrumental in creating awareness online on the happenings during march.

To all comrades, Kenyans and friends of Kenya your thoughtful generosity is invaluable to us as your donation, solidarity and sacrifice will ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of those at the frontline championing our rights and freedoms.

Defenders Coalition