Memorandum Submitted to the Technical Working Group on Gender Based Violence
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 […]
Statement Presented during the 83rd Ordinary Session of the ACHPR on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya
STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL COALITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS – KENYA (DEFENDERS COALITION), TO THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS (ACHPR) Observer Status Number: 500 Thank you, Chairperson Honourable Chairperson, commissioners and distinguished delegates Chairperson, The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders—Kenya (Defenders Coalition) is grateful for the opportunity to […]
Call for Nominations for the 2025 Human Rights Defenders Awards
Civic space in Kenya continues to be under pressure as a range of actions are being directed against the work of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and Civil Society organizations in Kenya. Physical attacks, criminal and administrative actions, legislative restrictions, negative rhetoric and limitation of human rights have undermined the constitutional and international protections available to […]
Mashujaa Festival 2019
Defenders Coalition hosted Mashujaa Festival Concert on 20th October 2019 at Alliance Francaise, Nairobi to celebrate and honor human rights and social justice heroes. The pomp-filled extravaganza attracted human rights defenders and friends of Kenya from across all walks of life. During the celebrations, notably, Defenders Coalition honored Prof. Yashpal Ghai who is a constitutional […]
Dennis Orengo Juma: A Defender of the Voiceless, Driven by Compassion and Justice
Dennis Orengo Juma, a passionate human rights defender from Nairobi County, has always been deeply committed to standing up for those who are often silenced or forgotten. His work focuses on advocating against police abuse of power and promoting the rights of children, widows, persons with disabilities, and refugees. In 2023, Dennis attended the Human […]
Sankara Nyagaya – Championing Environmental Rights and Climate Justice in Kajiado County
In the heart of Kajiado County, where the vast landscapes and forests have been a source of life for generations, one man has taken on the role of protector—Sankara Nyagaya. As an environmental rights defender, Sankara’s passion for preserving the land and fighting for climate justice comes from a deep-rooted connection to his community and […]
Empowering Grassroots Advocacy: How the HRD Academy Transformed Kimutai Koske Gideon’s Journey as a Human Rights Defender
In 2019, Kimutai Koske Gideon, a devoted human rights defender from Bomet County, participated in the Defenders Coalition’s Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Academy. Specializing in advocating for the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and marginalized groups, Kimutai’s journey has been driven by a deep passion for justice. The HRD Academy became pivotal […]
Kennedy Chindi- Father of Upcoming HRDs in Mathare
Kennedy, also known as JJ, is a member of Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC) where he works as the field coordinator and community mobilizer. Inspired by an oppressive past that saw him arrested at the age of 17 and sentenced to death for robbery with violence, a decision that was overturned eight year later on […]
MEN CAN DEFEND WOMEN RIGHTS TOO! – Story of Charles Omwanro
“Violation of one’s right threatens personal safety and peace. Therefore, if we are unable to prevent human rights violation then we should ensure that justice prevails,” Charles Omwanro, HRD Charles is a Human Rights Defender who champions for the rights of women and children with a focus on prevention and response to gender based violence. […]
Feeling too young to Defend Human Rights?
“The world will not remember how much money you had, the world will remember how you changed and touched their lives,” Salma Abdulatif Salma is a 23-year-old lady raised in Mombasa County who is currently pursuing her degree in Business Management (Maritime Option) at the Moi University, Eldoret Campus. She started her human rights […]