Hussein Khalid is a towering figure in Kenya’s human rights landscape. When discussing human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kenya, his is a name that cannot be overlooked. A distinguished human rights defender and lawyer, Khalid has been a pivotal figure in the country’s post-independence journey, tirelessly advocating for the protection of rights and freedoms. Despite facing intimidation and threats, he remains unwavering in his commitment to this cause.

With over 25 years of experience in civil society, Khalid’s work is centered on empowering individuals and communities. His journey began at CLARION, where he gained invaluable experience in community mobilization, human rights training, and community empowerment. This foundation laid the groundwork for his subsequent work with organizations like Youth Agenda, NCEC, and CRECO.

Khalid’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Kenya Human Rights Commission and was seconded to the Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI). During his decade-long tenure at MUHURI, he played a crucial role in raising awareness of human rights issues in the Coast region, contributing significantly to the development of contemporary human rights advocacy in the area.

In pursuit of justice, Khalid founded HAKI Africa, where he spearheaded groundbreaking work, including addressing the killings and disappearances of victims of counter-terrorism. This bold stance led to the blacklisting of HAKI Africa and MUHURI by the government. Undeterred, Khalid continued his work, taking on major cases like the River Tana killings, River Yala killings, and the Shakahola massacre.

Khalid’s interests extend to gender issues, free media, community building, peace promotion, sexual minority rights, social justice, governance, mental health, land and environmental rights, digital rights, access to justice, police reforms, and movement building. His dedication to human rights is motivated by a desire to create a just and free society where rights and freedoms are respected. His significant contributions include:

• Civil society awakening and movement building in the Coast region
• Bold advocacy against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances
• Campaigning for anti-torture legislation
• Exposing the River Tana killings and floating bodies
• Contributing to the drafting of Guidelines on Combating Enforced Disappearances in Africa
• Challenging the government’s blacklisting of organizations
• Breaking the story of the River Yala bodies (together with Boniface Mwangi)
• Filing a court case to stop the sale of Mombasa port
• Led the Black Monday protests against the SGR monopoly
• Breaking the story on Shakahola massacre (over 450 people have been reported dead and numerious still missing)
• Taking up cases on extra judicial killings and enforced disappearances which came about during the anti-finance bill
•  Following up on the Kware killings

Khalid’s unwavering commitment to human rights has not been without its challenges. He has faced government attacks and suppression of his work, numerous arrests in various towns and involutary displacement (forced to seek safety in safe houses locally due to threats to his life). However, his resilience and persistence have allowed him to overcome these obstacles.

Currently, as the CEO of VOCAL Africa, Khalid is focused on building a pan-African movement, coordinating local voices to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Throughout his career, Khalid has fearlessly confronted human rights abuses.

His legacy as a fearless advocate for human rights continues to inspire and motivate others to strive for a more just and equitable world.