The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has raised alarm over what it terms a growing crackdown on civil society, following the alleged deportation of its senior legal advisor, Martin Mavenjina, to Uganda upon his return from an official trip.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the KHRC condemned the government’s actions, claiming that Mavenjina—who serves as the Commission’s Legal Advisor on Transitional Justice—was turned away at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) around 10:00 PM on Saturday, just after arriving from South Africa.
RIGHTS GROUP DECRIES ESCALATING GOVERNMENT INTIMIDATION
The KHRC described Mavenjina’s deportation as part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting human rights defenders, particularly those critical of state policies and police conduct in the wake of the June 25 anti-tax protests.
“This is a clear sign of a regime increasingly hostile to dissent and human rights advocacy,” the KHRC stated. “It follows a disturbing trend of silencing voices of accountability.”
The June protests, which marked one year since the 2024 anti-finance bill demonstrations, ended in violence, with several peaceful protesters reportedly injured by rogue police elements.
ATTACKS ON KHRC OFFICES AND INTIMIDATION OF ACTIVISTS
The situation escalated further when a group of unidentified individuals allegedly stormed KHRC’s headquarters on Amboseli Road, Lavington, just hours before a scheduled press briefing by Kenyan mothers.
The planned press conference was aimed at demanding justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests—issues that have become a flashpoint in recent weeks.
“Storming our offices to silence a peaceful mothers’ forum is an affront to justice and democracy,” KHRC said.
CONTEXT: SABA SABA ANNIVERSARY FUELS NATIONAL TENSION
The rising tensions come ahead of Saba Saba Day, observed annually on July 7, to commemorate the historic 1990 protests that catalyzed Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy. The 1990 demonstrations forced the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution, ending one-party rule under President Daniel Arap Moi and the KANU regime.
This year’s Saba Saba commemorations are expected to draw large crowds, particularly Gen Z-led movements demanding reforms, justice, and economic fairness.
As Kenyans prepare to mark this pivotal day, the KHRC’s accusations have added fuel to the fire, placing the government under intense scrutiny for its treatment of activists, lawyers, and civil society.
KHRC CALLS FOR URGENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND REINSTATEMENT
The KHRC has demanded that the government provide immediate clarification regarding Mavenjina’s deportation and revoke any unlawful orders issued against its staff or offices.
“The actions of the state must reflect a commitment to human rights, not oppression,” the commission emphasized. “We demand transparency, accountability, and protection for those who fight for justice.”
