ALERT: PHYSICAL ASSAULT OF RIGHTS DEFENDER FATUMA YUSSUF

7 AUGUST 2023, Nairobi, Kenya

On 4th August 2023, Defenders Coalition received concerning information about the assault of a person with disability and rights defender- Fatuma Yussuf – by Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Wajir East Police Station.

It was reported that the OCS attacked Fatuma and dragged her on the ground.

Prior to the assault, a group of WHRDs in Wajir East had submitted a notification to the OCS notifying him of a planned women empowerment gathering, which the OCS was yet to respond to.

Failing to respond, the WHRDs approached Fatuma to intervene on the matter due to her known work and good rapport with law enforcement agents within the county.

Accompanied by one of the women, Fatuma went to the police station to seek audience with the OCS where they were met with hostility upon arrival.

Allegedly, the OCS denied the notification, citing their failure to part a fee of Ksh. 7000. When Fatuma demanded an explanation on the said charges, the OCS pushed the frail Fatuma on the ground and commanded other officers to kick her out of the station.

This is a reminder of the many challenges that human rights defenders face as a result of speaking up violation, many a times from the very institutions meant to keep them safe.

Defenders Coalition condemns this senseless attack on Fatuma Yussuf by the OCS and reminds OCS that seeking audience with duty bearers does not warrant physical assault but rather facilitate the process of seeking solutions to the concerns of human rights defenders within the law.

*ENDS*