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The excitement in the mouths and eyes of every Kenyan is enough indication that Kenya are looking forward to the establishment of a new government -of hope, inclusion, protects and promotes human rights and rule of law. Despite the tribulations facing Kenyans ranging from the high cost of living, reduced quality of life, unemployment, stinking corruption levels, insecurity, attacks on the civic space and unwillingness of the state to adopt and implement progressive constitutional provisions and legislations such as the two third gender rule and the human rights defenders’ policy, there is a glimmersof hope in the faces of many: that after taking part in choosing their next government on August 9 and they eventual outcome of the ongoing petitions at the Supreme Court of Kenya, they have an opportunity to actively hold the incoming government accountable.

We are optimistic that the general elections will be conducted in a transparent manner, will be free, fair and verifiable to inspire our future generations on the fidelity of the current generations to our commitments to promoting the enjoyment of democratic rights and the rule of law.

Defenders Coalition welcomes the High Court judgment by Lady Justice Jessie Lessit on Mavoko 3, where human rights defender Willie Kimani was brutally murdered by police officers. The conviction of the three police officers and one informer as the murderers of the #Mavoko3 is the slightest success in the corridors of justice regarding human rights defenders in the justice system in Kenya. We hope that the same wheels of justice will turn for the other victims of police brutality including the#Kianjokoma Brothers, Baby Pendo, Vaite, Yassin Moyo and many more.

I welcome you to enjoy this read, where we tell the steps made in securing the safety and security of all cadres of Human Rights Defenders, Election monitor and observers, civil society organizations and grassroot organizations. You will have a feel of the skills impacted on HRDs, the advocacy work conducted and how the Defenders Coalition aspires to widen the network of champions of human rights and social justice in Kenya.

I urge you to continue supporting our work by sharing our work, partner with us or donate directly. More details on how to partner can be found on our website at www.defenderscoalition.org or talk to me on email: dk@defenderscoalition.org.

Kamau Ngugi

Executive Director – Defenders Coalition

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