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Defenders Coalition conferred the 2025 FR. Kaiser Human Rights Award
Defenders Coalition conferred the 2025 FR. Kaiser Human Rights Award
31 March 2025, Nairobi – Kenya
The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya (Defenders Coalition) welcomes the special recognition by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)during its Annual General Assembly held in Kisumu.
Defenders Coalition was conferred the prestigious Fr Keiser Human Rights award in recognition of its exemplary service in supporting frontline human rights defenders in promoting and protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The Fr Kaiser Award was started by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in 2003 and named after the Mill Hill Missionary priest Fr John Kaiser of Ngong’ Diocese who was killed mysteriously in 2000. The Human Rights Award honors individuals and institutions that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice and the promotion of human rights.
The Defenders Coalition has been instrumental in enhancing the safety, security and well-being of frontline human rights defenders who passionately offer distinguished service to ordinary Kenyans by seeking justice for victims of abuses, including land injustices, corruption, impunity and political oppression.
The Defenders Coalition’s Executive Director Mr. Kamau Ngugi has dedicated the award to selfless Kenyans that continue to demonstrate bravery against injustices, poor governance and human rights violations at great risks.
“It is with great honor and humility that I stand before you today to receive this esteemed award on behalf of the Defenders Coalition, which is the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya. From my reflection, this recognition is not only a stamp of approval of the efforts of very many selfless individuals and human rights organizations at the frontline but also a testament to the unwavering dedication of all those who work tirelessly to safeguard human rights in Kenya. Since founding in 2007, our mission as a coalition has always been to stand in solidarity with defenders of human rights, ensuring that their voices are heard, their work protected, and their courage celebrated.”
Kamau acknowledged that the recognition is for all Kenyans who strive, under very difficult circumstances, to speak truth to power.
“This achievement is not ours alone. It is a product of the collective efforts of various human rights actors, civil society organizations, and most importantly, frontline human rights defenders who suffer humiliation, criminalization or targeted for violence. Our partnership with the Law Society of Kenya and its network of legal professionals and advocates has been instrumental in fortifying the protection of those who risk their lives to defend the rights of others.”
The Defenders Coalition recognizes that the challenges to human rights are complex and multifaceted, but in collaboration with actors who share the same values, we remain resolute in ensuring that the rights of every individual are protected, and those who defend them are supported. This award is a powerful reminder that when we unite in purpose, we can create a just and resilient society for all.
In attendance were members of the LSK led by President Faith Odhiambo and veteran lawyers and politicians, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Hon Martha Karua, and Hon. Otiende Amolo among other dignitaries.
The Defender Coalition, EndFemicideKE and Ni Mama Network to Submit a memo to the Taskforce Against GBV
Kenya is grappling with a silent yet lethal epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide—an atrocity that extends beyond legal deficiencies to a moral and human rights crisis. In response to this alarming reality, Defenders Coalition has officially submitted a memorandum to the Taskforce Against GBV, outlining urgent policy recommendations to combat GBV and ensure justice for survivors.
Despite existing legal frameworks such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, the state’s failure to enforce these laws has left marginalized groups—young mothers, female sex workers, refugees, and women in informal settlements—particularly vulnerable. Survivors continue to face secondary victimization in institutions meant to protect them, while the absence of a centralized GBV and femicide data system obscures the true scale of the crisis, hindering meaningful policy reforms.
The statistics are harrowing: between 2020 and 2024, over 500 women were murdered, often by intimate partners or family members. The 2024 Kenya Police Annual Crime Report revealed a 35% rise in femicide cases compared to 2023, yet conviction rates remain below 10%. The economic toll of GBV is equally devastating, costing Kenya approximately 1.2% of its GDP annually due to healthcare expenses, productivity losses, and legal service costs.
Through this memorandum, Defenders Coalition, EndFemicideKE and Ni Mama Network calls for bold, systemic interventions, including:
It is time for Kenya to move beyond rhetoric to action. We urge the government and all stakeholders to adopt our recommendations and take decisive steps to end GBV and femicide in Kenya.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
CONSULTANCY TO COMPILE A CASE DIGEST ON LEGAL CASES ON RIGHTS DEFENDERS
DEADLINE: 2 APRIL 2025
The Defenders Coalition invites qualified applicants to express interest in a consultancy to compile a Case digest report on legal cases on human rights defenders. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute your expertise towards the legal protection of human rights defenders in Kenya.
For more information please review Terms of Reference below.
International Women’s Day 2025: The gendered Spirit of the Kenyan Constitution must be realized now
8 March 2025, Nairobi, Kenya
On this occasion of International Women’s Day, the Defenders Coalition honours the strength, resilience, passion, courage and leadership of the women and girls in Kenya.
This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, underscores the urgency of unlocking equal rights, power, and opportunities for all while championing a feminist future where no one is left behind. Accelerating action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face and creating a sustainable future where women can thrive.
This occasion presents an opportunity to reflect on the realities of women and girls across Kenya and in their diversity, including women human rights defenders, feminist groups, Indigenous people and gender minority rights groups.
In her remarks, Gloria Madegwa – the Head of Programmes at the Defenders Coalition noted that International Women’s Day is a moment when the whole world stops to recognize women and girls for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
“It’s paramount to take a moment to appreciate the milestones made over the years by women towards realizing equality and dignity across the gender divide.
Further, Gloria noted that despite the gains, women have continued to face obstacles that require collective action to be eradicated.
“For generations, women have been the backbone of our communities, rebuilding in times of crisis, defending human rights, and shaping democracy. Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, too many doors remain closed, preventing women’s full participation in political, economic, and social life.”
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, the Defenders Coalition celebrates yet again the many milestones that have been made towards safeguarding the rights and freedoms of women and girls in Kenya. We also draw urgent attention to the persistent challenges that threaten the rights, freedoms and dignity of all women in Kenya in their diversity.
“Despite tremendous progress in policy and legal frameworks, women in Kenya are faced with significant challenges including sexual and gender-based violation, economic exclusion, femicide and unprecedented threats to the exercise of their civic freedoms,” Gloria added.
The 2025 commemoration comes at a time when it’s increasingly becoming difficult for women and girls to live normal lives due to increased insecurity and systemic challenges that hinder access to justice for the victims and survivors of these violations.
“Women and girls have been forced to exercise extra caution to safeguard their safety and well-being, even within their homes, the very spaces where they should feel most secure,” said Mary Simat -Chairperson Board of Trustees of the Defenders Coalition.
Further, Mary Simat emphasized that increased violence targeting women depicts reluctance to enforce laws and implement policies/programmes that deter the occurrence of violence of this magnitude.
“The increasing incidents of gender-based violence and femicide across the country highlight the minimal efforts being made to address these issues effectively. Ensuring the protection of women’s rights, including their right to live free from violence, is a shared societal responsibility that demands urgent and collective action.”
The Defenders Coalition stands in solidarity with all women in Kenya and beyond. Our resolve to intensify advocacy for a just and equal society where women and girls are free to be themselves.
As such, this occasion presents a renewed opportunity for the government of Kenya to walk the talk and implement the gendered spirit of Kenya’s Constitution.
Looking forward, the Defenders Coalition calls on the Kenyan government to:
STATEMENT
UPR Pre-session on KENYA
Geneva, 18th – 21st February 2025
Delivered by: National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders- Kenya
(Defenders Coalition)
This statement is delivered on behalf of the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders-Kenya (Defenders Coalition) a national, not-for-profit, membership organization established in 2007 and registered under Kenyan law as a Trust to champion for the safety, security and wellbeing of human rights defenders (HRDs). The Defenders Coalition works primarily for the protection of HRDs in Kenya.
At the drafting of the national report, there was no consultation with civil society organisations (CSOs) in the country. CSOs at the drafting of the alternative national CSOs report invited the national commission of human rights to participate in consultations for the development of the said reports.
This statement addresses the following issues: (1) freedom of association, (2) human rights defenders, (3) freedom of peaceful assembly and (4) freedom of expression.
During Kenya’s third Cycle, the government received four recommendations on freedom of association. The government accepted all four recommendations. In particular, the government was asked to ensure that the freedom of association is guaranteed and to review the Associations Bill of 2018.
Recommendations
We therefore urge that the issue of freedom of association become prominent in the upcoming UPR. We therefore recommend that the government of Kenya to:
Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)
Follow up to the third review
The Kenyan government received eight recommendations on human rights defenders (HRDs) and accepted all. It was recommended that Kenya adopts a law that protects HRDs ensuring clear investigations of cases of violations against them, creating and enabling environment to thrive in their work. While it is acknowledged that HRDs, especially at the grassroots, play a significant role in the protection, championing and promotion of rights and freedoms as guaranteed in the Kenyan Constitution and international instruments, the absence of a law that protects and safeguards them is lacking. Further, investigations into complains by HRDs remains a key hindrance towards realizing justice for aggrieved HRDs.
New developments since the third review
Human rights defenders continue to face numerous forms of violations to include attacks, harassment, intimidation, abductions, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, criminalization and murder with over 3000 cases documented within the last 4 years. Justice was met for some HRDs who were killed, where their killers were successfully prosecuted and sentenced. In other cases, HRDs are arrested arbitrarily numerous times and sometimes they are not arraigned in court and no charges are preferred against them.
Despite the National Coroners Service Act being enacted in 2017, the same is yet to be operationalised. The Human Rights Defenders Policy and Plan that would otherwise protect HRDs is not in place hence HRDs remain at risk.
Recommendations
To fully address the situation of HRDs, we recommend that the Kenyan government to;
Right to peaceful assembly
Follow up to the third review
During the 3rd Cycle, Greece made a recommendation to the Kenyan government to take further measures towards guaranteeing the freedom of peaceful assembly. Poland recommended ensuring the unimpeded functioning of democratic processes in the country including transparent regulations on exercising the right to peaceful assembly. Despite Constitutional guarantees, state security agencies continue to violate these rights by the use of excessive force when policing peaceful assemblies. Over 800 cases of peaceful protesters sustaining injuries and others over 110 protestors losing lives in the last four years have been documented. Administrative actions of prior notification of security agencies for state security to be provided during protests continue to hinder the realization of this right. The increased misuse and abuse of procedures by the police is concerning. The failure to arrest and prosecute police officers who violate the rights and freedoms of peaceful protesters is concerning and needs to be addressed comprehensively.
New developments since the third review
In 2024, there was a proposed retrogressive Assemblies and Demonstrations Bill which proposed serious criminal penalties for participants and organizers of assemblies and protests. This proposed law was rejected by Parliament and was not passed. Following the peaceful protests in June to August 2024, numerous rights of protesters were violated to include right to life, freedom from torture, cruel and degrading treatment, peaceful assembly and equality before the law. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that at least 61 persons were killed during the protests as police used excessive force. Disappearances and arbitrary arrests, including those of critical voices, doctors and lawyers, were observed, with some victims abducted from their homes. Accountability measures for the perpetrators of these violations are lacking. These actions reveal a troubling pattern of repression that contradicts the government’s commitments to fulfil the constitutional right to peaceful assembly
Recommendations
We, therefore, urge the government of Kenya to;
Freedom of expression
Follow up to the third review
Kenya received and accepted four recommendations to guarantee the freedom of expression. Despite the Kenyan government accepting recommendations regarding this freedom, there has been a continuous and deliberate violation of this right and especially in online spaces. Increased surveillance, smear campaigns, arbitrary arrests and forceful disappearances of critical voices persist with over 86 disappearances within the past 12 months.
New developments since the third review
There is increased surveillance, smear campaigns, arbitrary arrests and forceful disappearances of critical voices persist with over 86 disappearances[1] in the last 12 months alone. In 2020 and 2021, one prominent online activist was arrested and arraigned in court for his posts on social media and issued with a very high and punitive cash bail of USD 5000.
Recommendations
We, therefore, urge that the issue of the right to peaceful assembly become prominent in the upcoming UPR. We therefore recommend that the government of Kenya to;
“Kupanda mlima siyo lelemama” (translated as “Climbing a mountain is not dancing”) are powerful words of Mzee James that perfectly capture the grit, determination, and resilience required to conquer the Mountains.
At 74 years old, Mzee James, our oldest climber, plans to make his 2nd courageous attempt to conquer the Mighty Mt.Kilimanjaro. He is a Land Human Rights Defender from Mithini Squatters, Murang’a County having joined the Climb for Justice expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021.
This extraordinary journey will see him take 140,000 steps over 8 days and 96 kilometers, roundtrip. He needs your support to make this climb a success and raise funds for HAKI Village, a resource hub dedicated to safeguarding Human Rights Defenders’ rights.
Join us in supporting these remarkable climbers by donating through the Mpesa details below:
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Five Suspects arrested over the murder of Molo-based Human Rights Defender Richard Raymond
Nairobi, 3 February 2025
The Defenders Coalition welcomes the speedy investigation by the Nairobi-based Homicide team of the DCI resulting in the arrest of five suspects believed to have murdered Human Rights Defender Richard Raymond Otieno AKA Molo President.
Geoffrey Mavado, John Ndegwa and Jorim Ngonga Sura are believed to have been directly involved in the heinous murder. Clinton Simantu and Peter Mwaniki are suspected of transporting the suspects to and from the scene of crime.
Richard was waylaid and murdered on 18 January 2025 in Elburgon Town, while walking home which is 200 meters from Elburgon Police Station.
While welcoming the news of the arrest of the 5 suspects, Kamau Ngugi, the Executive Director of the Defenders Coalition noted that this will send a strong message that crimes committed against human rights defenders, and indeed all persons shall not be condoned and that perpetrators shall be held to account. He lamented that champion of human rights in Kenya are consistently targeted for persecution with impunity, yet defending human rights is not a crime.
“This, in our view, is a move towards the right direction and an affirmation that any form of violation against human rights defenders cannot go unpunished. Being vocal should not be a death sentence. The government must work tirelessly to ensure that the people who support them in realizing its obligations of safeguarding and fulfilling human rights are protected.”
The Defenders Coalition calls for speedy and transparent prosecution of the suspects so that justice is served.
We call on all Kenyans to be vigilant to protect the rights of all people, hold the duty bearers to accounts and support our human rights defenders who selflessly work to ensure social justice and the protection of the rights of all persons.
The Defenders Coalition has kicked off preparations for the second attempt to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro – the World’s freestanding mountain – as part of a campaign to raise funds for setting up the first resource center for Human Rights Defenders in Kenya.
The first preparatory activity took place on January 25th, 2025 where 18 supporters of the Climb for Justice campaign hiked and successfully summited Elephant Hill in the Aberdare Ranges.
Elephant Hill towers approximately, at an elevation of 12,000ft (3,658m) above sea level. The 9.5 km hike trail starts at the Njabini Forest Station gate, at an elevation of 8,202ft (2,500m) above sea level.The terrain is mostly wet and slippery within the bamboo forest, and rocky as you approach the summit.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important cause to champion human rights .
‘The satisfaction of pushing through the difficult terrain, even when it got harder, and reaching the summit was indescribable. Elephant Hill taught me resilience—there were so many times I almost gave up, but I kept pushing forward.’ Shared Mekatilili, one of the hikers!
The climb reminded us that the path to justice is never easy, but together, we can rise above every obstacle.
The climb continues as we now set our sights on the ultimate challenge—Mount Kilimanjaro.
Why We Climb For Justice
We scale mountains to raise funds to set up a resource center – HAKI VILLAGE – dedicated for safeguarding the rights of human rights defenders. The center will have amenities including those for research, training, creativity and wellness
In six years, over 1,400 hikers have raised funds for Haki Village, a resource hub dedicated to safeguarding Human Rights Defenders’ rights. With 19 destinations conquered, including the highest peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, raising Kshs. 12 Million.
How You can Support Us
Supporters of the Climb for Justice campaign take thousands of steps daily to champion human rights. This year, we’re aiming to conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our brave HRDs will take 140,000 steps during the 8-day, 96-kilometer trek ,round trip).
Join us by supporting them through donations via Mpesa details
Payment Details:
M-Pesa Paybill Number: 810896
Account: Your Name
NAIROBI, 31 January 2025: The Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group are horrified by the discovery of the bodies
of Justus Mtumwa and Martin Mwau, two of the four missing Mlolongo abductees. We send our deepest condolences to their families and friends. We join them in demanding an independent post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
We call upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to thoroughly investigate their abduction and killing and bring perpetrators to justice. We urge the Directorate of Criminal Investigations as instructed by the court to urgently, effectively, impartially, and transparently investigate the abductions of Steven Mbisi and Kalani Mwema and ensure their safe return to their families.
We demand that the National Police Service now establish a missing persons database to ensure efficiency, seamless interagency communication, and quick communication with victim families to resolve missing persons cases.
We remain concerned by admissions under oath by the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Criminal Investigations on 30 January 2025, that they did not have any knowledge of where Justus Mtumwa and Martin Mwau were despite the two men’s bodies were delivered to the Nairobi Funeral Home by officers from Ruai Police Station. We call on those who continue to threaten and harass some of the former abductees to stop.
We remind the authorities that the gravity of these issues had prompted 20,000 Kenyans to sign a petition calling for a commission of enquiry in July 2024. The time has come for this initiative to be put in place now.
Kenya continues to experience an unprecedented number of abductions and killings with no satisfactory answers from government agencies mandated to protect the safety of all Kenyans. Since June 2024, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has recorded over 63 cases of extrajudicial killings, 89 enforced disappearances with 29 people still missing. The police have made no progress in holding those responsible for these human rights violations to date.
Notes:
https://x.com/HakiKNCHR/status/1873824527857463439
https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/stop-the-crackdown-on-people-in-kenya/
This statement is signed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group, an alliance of national and grassroots organizations committed to professional, accountable, and human rights-compliant policing. They include: Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Kariobangi Paralegal Network, Defenders Coalition, Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCW), Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), International Justice Mission (IJM-K), HAKI Africa, Amnesty International Kenya, Women Empowerment Link, Social Welfare Development Program (SOWED), Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Kenya), International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ – Kenya), Transparency International Kenya, Shield For justice, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice (KPTJ) and Peace Brigades International Kenya (PBI Kenya).
Dear Partner, Colleague and Comrade,
In this newsletter, you will find updates on our ongoing projects, successful campaigns, and impactful initiatives to enhance the safety and security of human rights defenders in Kenya.
We’d like to encourage you to take a moment to read through the newsletter and familiarize yourself with the important work we are doing. We also invite you to share the newsletter within your networks to help raise awareness and amplify our collective efforts.