”For me it was an honest chance to reflect and ponder on what part I can play. I have called this country home for many years, and I came to the realisation that we can all make a difference if we all do our small parts.”
Often, acts of courage and boldness shout, but for Efyaomi Carr, courage looked like lacing up his running shoes and turning each step into a statement. A statement that screamed: “Human rights defenders matter and that they are not alone, one mile at a time.”
In 2024, Efayomi boldly ran two marathons: The Nairobi Marathon on October 27th and the Philadelphia Marathon on November 24th in support of the #ClimbForJustice campaign by Defenders Coalition. Running both marathons was an act of solidarity, and strong belief in a mechanism for supporting the safety and security of human rights defenders.
Having lived in Nairobi for the past five years, Efayomi has witnessed the courage, bravery and resilience of human rights defenders who dared to stand up against injustices, oppression and power. In particular, the peaceful protests on the 2024 Finance Bill and government corruption were sadly met with violence, tear gas, and mass arrests. For him, it brought memories of past struggles that people have fought to defeat.
“It’s not just in Kenya, people all over the world keep having their fundamental freedoms trampled upon” he said. “This shows that the fight for justice is the same, only the streets are different,” Efayomi adds.
Efayomi recalls speaking to his friends about his plan to support the #ClimbForJustice campaign. With this, he saw how genuinely scared his friends were for him as they warned him against the idea. “This campaign will make the powers that be come for you.” They warned. Often, he was urged to keep his head down, but Efayomi did not flinch.
While he knew the risks, he also knew that silence was a greater danger. Through his efforts, Efayomi mobilized friends, colleagues, and supporters online to raise resources for the Defenders Coalition, proving that no contribution is too small when the cause is just. His campaign continues to fuel the dream of ‘HAKI VILLAGE’, a future home for human rights defenders where healing, creativity, safety, and solidarity can flourish.
“Your contribution has made it possible for a human rights defender to stay safe.” Defenders Coalition’s Executive Director, Kamau Ngugi, told Efayomi.
Efayomi’s support is not about perfection but humanity. It is about showing that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they refuse to give up on justice. His journey reminds us that the struggle for rights, dignity, and freedom is not for a few chosen voices, but for all of us.
Efayomi shared his deepest hope: “I hope that the next person who is arrested for standing up to speak truth to power will find hope and even bail or legal representation because of the awareness and resources we’ve built here and that Defenders Coalition will continue ensuring the safety and security of human rights defenders.”
That said, the baton has been passed. Will you take it?
To support The Defenders Coalition, find below the bank details:
NCBA Bank Account: 2051300092
Swift Code: CBAFKENX
Bank Code: 07000
Cheque Payable to:
The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders- Kenya