Khelef Khalifa: Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee
When mentioning formidable and courageous human rights defenders, the name of Khelef Khalifa cannot miss on that list. His human rights work would commence in the 1990s, during Kenya’s struggle to become a multi-party state. As part of the Islamic Party of Kenya (IPK) movement, Khalifa helped organize mass actions in Mombasa, including the historic […]
David Kuria: Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award
David Kuria, popularly known as ‘Western’ is a veteran human rights defender who has dedicated over thirty years of his life fighting impunity, protecting human rights and freedoms and advancing justice for the most vulnerable in society and within communities. His human rights journey traces back to the early 1990s, as a founding member of […]
Larry Madowo: Human Rights Defender of the Year
Larry Madowo is a celebrated Kenyan journalist, and international correspondent who holds a Masters in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University. Known for his fearless reporting and sharp storytelling across various global media platforms, Larry is recognised as one of Africa’s most influential journalists. Currently with CNN, he has previously worked with BBC, CNBC […]
Julius Kamau:Human Rights Defender of the Year
Theatrics, drama and drawing attention, have been tactics utilised by Julius Kamau, a human rights defender, to address and highlight pressing human rights issues. To some, his mental health has been questioned, given the methods he has used seeking redress and justice for the marginalised and vulnerable within the community. A true champion for social […]
Lady Dr. Wangu Kanja (OGW):Human Rights Defender of the Year Nominee
Armed with the vision and deep desire to end all forms of gender and sexual violence and femicide, Lady Dr. Wangu Kanja, for the last two decades, has been at the forefront in seeking redress for these vices. Wangu is the Founder and Executive Director of the Wangi Kanja Foundation. Through her organisation, founded to […]
Jamil Longton: Human Rights Defender of the Year Nominee
Longton Jamil Hashim is a human rights defender from Kitengela, Kajiado County, with a deep passion and desire for change within his community. For over 10 years, he has amplified the voice of the marginalized and oppressed within his community, addressing cases of police brutality, abductions, involuntary and enforced disappearances, extra judicial killings, sexual and […]
Shee Kupi Shee :Upcoming Human Rights Defender
Shee Kupi Shee is a renowned peacebuilder, humanitarian leader, and grassroots human rights defender from Lamu County, Kenya. At 38 years old, Shee has spent his life working in one of Kenya’s most fragile regions where violent extremism, poverty, and recurrent disasters have deeply affected communities along the Kenya-Somalia border and within the Boni Forest. […]
Precious Victoria: Upcoming Human Rights Defender Nominee
Precious Victoria is a passionate 12-year-old human rights defender, born in Giminoi village, Vihiga County. She is a fierce advocate for children’s rights; opposing child labor and gender-based violence. Victoria’s journey into human rights began in 2021, when she courageously stood up for two classmates who were being bullied due to their HIV status. She […]
Walid Sketty:Upcoming Human Rights Defender Nominee
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 […]
Damaris Aswa: Upcoming Human Rights Defenders Award Nominee
Damaris Aswa is a human rights defender, and founder of Youth for Integrity Building (YIB- a dynamic organization that empowers young people and women to champion anti-corruption, democracy, and social justice. Through civic education, digital literacy, and media well-being, Damaris has carved out a space where youth are not only informed but equipped to act. […]