Walid Said Sketty, is a human rights defender from Kenya who embodies courage, resilience, and a deep passion for human rights work. Born and raised in the Kisauni slums of Mombasa, Walid’s early life was shaped by the harsh realities of poor governance, where many of his peers succumbed to drugs and unemployment. These experiences ignited his passion for social justice.
He began his legal career at Abdulrahman Saad and Associates, gaining valuable experience. Compelled to address systemic injustices more directly, In 2022, he joined politics as one of the youngest aspirants, vying for the MCA seat in Mjambere Ward.
Walid’s human rights work began at Haki Africa, where he worked for six months, engaging in grassroots human rights work, including monitoring the Kwa Binzaro exhumations. In 2023, he joined Accept International and later at Vocal Africa, deepening his understanding of the intersection between security and human rights, particularly in efforts to counter terrorism and armed gangs.
A bold and radical voice, Walid has organized and participated in protests and demonstrations, including the Gen Z protests in 2024, where he led vigils for victims of police brutality and mobilized against the abduction of protesters. This however came with its own challenges. His work has led to arrests, court cases, and threats to his life, forcing him into safe houses. He has been a victim of state surveillance and intimidation. In his activism work, Walid takes to several strategies including petitions, social media advocacy and formal inquiries among others. “Social media tools have been of great use especially in mobilizing my target audience and passing information.” He says.
One of his most tangible impacts was his relentless push for the reinstatement of public participation in county budget matters, which was finally achieved in July 2025. Walid has cemented his advocacy by presenting petitions to the County Assembly, Parliament, and embassies, advocating for human rights causes. He continues to hold the county government accountable on stalled projects and strategically using the media through press briefings to raise awareness on human rights violations.
Walid integrates grassroots mobilization with social media activism, ensuring local struggles resonate nationally. His ability to combine physical organizing with digital advocacy has broadened his impact and reached diverse audiences.