The Right to Defend Rights Report Launch: Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya (2020–2022)

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), alongside partner organizations, officially launched The Right to Defend Rights report, which assesses the protection of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Kenya over the 2020–2022 period. This significant gathering brought together state agencies, civil society organizations, diplomatic representatives, and members of the press at [venue name] in Nairobi.

The report provides a comprehensive review of the legal, policy, and operational frameworks affecting HRDs, as well as the social, political, and security environment in which they operate. It examines patterns of harassment, emerging threats such as the use of long-range weapons during protests, and institutional responses to rights violations.

Key Findings

1. Increased Threats Against HRDs

   • HRDs continue to face harassment, intimidation, and in some cases, violent attacks.

   • The report notes specific concern over the escalating use of long-range weapons by law enforcement during public assemblies, which has led to injuries and fatalities.

2. Gaps in Legal Protection

   • While Kenya has made progress in ratifying key international human rights instruments, enforcement remains inconsistent.

   • Existing laws do not fully shield HRDs from reprisals, especially in politically sensitive contexts.

3. Accountability Concerns

   • Investigations into attacks against HRDs often stall or fail to result in prosecution, undermining public trust in the justice system.

4. Role of State Agencies

   • The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and other justice sector actors were called upon to fast-track cases involving violations against HRDs.

5. Recommendations

   • Development of a dedicated HRD protection policy.

   • Strengthening investigative capacity to address attacks promptly and impartially.

   • Training security personnel on international human rights standards.

Exclusive Interview with Mr. Samson Omondi, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

Following the launch, The 254 Report secured an exclusive with Mr. Samson Omondi.

Speaking candidly, Mr. Omondi expanded on the report’s findings, emphasizing that while legal reforms are essential, “the real test is whether the political will exists to enforce them consistently, regardless of who the victim or perpetrator is.”

He drew particular attention to the deployment of long-range crowd-control weapons, noting:

Mr. Omondi also spoke about the need for early warning and rapid response systems that can protect HRDs in rural and marginalized areas, where threats often go unreported.

He urged the ODPP and investigative bodies to be more proactive, stating:

Closing the interview, Mr. Samson Omondi stressed the importance of public awareness, arguing that protection of HRDs is not just a legal duty but a civic responsibility: