Highlights
November unfolded with a mix of emotions. While it began on a sombre note with the deferred plea-taking in the Baby Pendo case, our resolve was reignited by remarkable milestones worth celebrating. From the enforcement of the Kenya Data Protection Act to the launch of our newest Circle of Conscience and the establishment of the transformative RIGHTS Click Alliance, this month reminded us of the power of progress. Dive into this issue of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette to relive these pivotal moments and more.
In this issue
- Justice Delayed Yet Again: The Heartbreaking Case of Baby Samantha Pendo
- Kenya’s Data Protection Act Turns 5: A Milestone Worth Celebrating—And Reflecting Upon
- Welcoming the Maasai Mara University Amnesty Chapter: A New Beacon for Human Rights!
- Introducing the RIGHTS Click Alliance: Championing Digital Rights for Children and Youth
- Braeburn Garden Estate Students Join the Write for Rights Movement: A Powerful Call for Justice
- 18 Months of Injustice: Police Abuses in the 2023 Maandamano Protests Remain Unpunished
- Celebrating Champions of Justice and Human Rights: Teresa Njoroge, Daniela Ancira Ruiz, and Renee Ngamau
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Justice Delayed Yet Again: The Heartbreaking Case of Baby Samantha Pendo
The November 5th representation by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the case of Baby Samantha Pendo and 60 others—victims of egregious human rights violations by 12 senior police officers during the 2017 post-election violence—was a disheartening setback in the fight for justice. Prosecutor Vincent Monda’s renewed application to defer plea-taking, citing the absence of a key suspect, prolongs the already painful wait for accountability.
This case, emblematic of the brutality inflicted on innocent civilians, began with the tragic death of six-month-old Baby Pendo, who succumbed to injuries inflicted during a violent police raid in Kisumu. Her case has since become a symbol of the urgent need to end impunity within Kenya’s security forces.
Despite these delays, hope remains. In collaboration with Utu Wetu Trust and the International Justice Mission, we welcome the court’s assurance that plea-taking will proceed on January 15, 2025, alongside the appearance of the Inspector General of Police. The Inspector General will be required to explain why the 12th accused officer, Mohamed Baa, remains at large—a glaring failure in the pursuit of justice for the victims.
The fight for justice for Baby Pendo and the 60 others is a fight for accountability, humanity, and the rule of law. We must all remain steadfast in demanding that no victim be forgotten and no perpetrator evade justice.
Kenya’s Data Protection Act Turns 5: A Milestone Worth Celebrating—And Reflecting Upon
This November marked five years since the enactment of Kenya’s Data Protection Act 2019, a landmark achievement that laid the foundation for safeguarding data privacy and protection in the country. Together with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), we celebrated this legislative milestone, acknowledging the progress made in data governance. Over the past half-decade, the ODPC has registered 7,223 data handlers, developed eight guidance notes, and issued 155 determinations, cementing Kenya’s reputation as a leader in data privacy across the region and beyond.
Yet, even as we celebrate these achievements, recent exposés revealing rampant police surveillance of citizens’ phone conversations and data without court orders raise critical questions about the Act’s implementation. These violations highlight a troubling gap between the letter of the law and its enforcement. They remind us that privacy, a fundamental human right protected by both the Constitution of Kenya and the Data Protection Act, remains under threat.
At Amnesty International Kenya, these revelations amplify the urgency to close loopholes in the regulatory framework. The Data Protection Act was born from years of advocacy and reforms, and it cannot become a hollow promise. Government agencies must respect the law, and violations must be met with swift and decisive action through legal channels.
As we reflect on five years of progress, this moment calls for critical conversations on strengthening oversight, enhancing compliance, and holding all actors accountable—especially those in law enforcement. Safeguarding personal data and privacy is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative. The way forward must address these gaps to ensure that Kenya’s digital ecosystem remains secure, equitable, and respectful of human rights.
Let this anniversary inspire both celebration and resolve to make privacy a reality for all.
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Welcoming the Maasai Mara University Amnesty Chapter: A New Beacon for Human Rights!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Maasai Mara University Amnesty Chapter, our newest Circle of Conscience! This exciting addition strengthens our growing presence in universities across Kenya, fostering vibrant communities of young human rights defenders ready to take action and create meaningful change in their spaces.
Universities are more than academic hubs—they are the birthplace of powerful movements. By nurturing human rights activism at this level, we are empowering the next generation of advocates who will champion equality, justice, and freedom for all. The Maasai Mara University Chapter embodies this vision, and we couldn’t be more proud to have them join our movement!
Are you passionate about human rights and interested in starting an Amnesty Chapter at your university? We’re here to support you! Reach out to us today, and let’s grow the human rights movement together, one campus at a time.
Introducing the RIGHTS Click Alliance: Championing Digital Rights for Children and Youth
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the RIGHTS Click Alliance, a transformative movement hosted by Amnesty International Kenya in partnership with Watoto Watch Network. This alliance unites civil society organizations with a shared mission to protect the digital rights and well-being of children and young people in Kenya’s rapidly evolving digital age.
The RIGHTS Click Alliance offers a unique platform for child and youth organizations to address pressing digital rights challenges, advocate for equitable policies, and empower the next generation to navigate the digital world with confidence and safety. By amplifying the voices of children and youth, this movement aims to influence policies, promote awareness, and foster meaningful action to ensure freedom of expression and a robust civic space in Kenya.
Why This Alliance Matters
As young people increasingly engage in the digital realm, their rights and safety must be prioritized. The RIGHTS Click Alliance is committed to:
- Safeguarding children’s rights online: Protecting young people from online exploitation, harassment, and discrimination.
- Promoting digital literacy: Equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to use digital platforms safely and responsibly.
- Advocating for inclusive policies: Shaping laws that protect children’s digital rights and ensure equitable access to technology.
- Amplifying youth voices: Creating spaces where children and young people can actively influence policies affecting their digital lives.
The Road to Success
For the RIGHTS Click Alliance, success looks like:
- Empowered youth: A growing number of children and young people actively advocating for their digital rights.
- Policy impact: Comprehensive policy briefs addressing gaps in legal frameworks for digital safety.
- Increased collaboration: Strong partnerships with governments, tech companies, and stakeholders to advance the digital rights agenda.
- Greater awareness: Enhanced understanding among children, parents, and guardians about digital rights and online safety.
Turning Advocacy into Action
The alliance goes beyond conversations—it transforms ideas into tangible outcomes. By engaging its members in policy discussions, drafting memorandums, and working with policymakers, the RIGHTS Click Alliance will ensure that children’s voices are heard and acted upon. Whether it’s addressing online harassment, protecting privacy, or preventing abuse, this alliance is committed to driving systemic change that benefits Kenya’s youngest digital citizens.
Join Us in Creating a Safer Digital Future
The RIGHTS Click Alliance represents a collective commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and youth in the digital era. Together, we can ensure that every young person has the tools, protections, and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Interested in being part of this transformative journey? Reach out to us and let’s champion digital rights for children and youth—together!
Braeburn Garden Estate Students Join the Write for Rights Movement: A Powerful Call for Justice
Our Write for Rights (W4W) Campaign took us to Braeburn Garden Estate International School, where we witnessed an inspiring display of passion and commitment from young advocates. These students boldly took up the mantle of human rights defenders, penning heartfelt letters to world leaders and government officials. Their letters called for the release of prisoners of conscience, including Angolan TikToker Neth Naharan, who has been arbitrarily detained and demanded justice for those wrongfully denied it by their governments.
The energy, conviction, and hope woven into each letter were nothing short of extraordinary. These young changemakers used their voices to champion the ideals of freedom and justice, courageously standing in solidarity with individuals facing persecution worldwide.
This campaign reminded us of the essential role young people play in shaping a future rooted in dignity and equality for all. Their voices are not just powerful—they are indispensable to the global human rights movement.
Together, we are proving that no action is too small and no voice is too young to make a difference. Let’s continue amplifying these calls for justice through Write for Rights and beyond!
18 Months of Injustice: Police Abuses in the 2023 Maandamano Protests Remain Unpunished
It has been nearly 18 months since at least 31 people were killed and hundreds injured during the 2023 maandamano protests. Yet, no police officer or commander has been held accountable for the excessive use of force. Amnesty International Kenya and Human Rights Watch’s latest report, Unchecked Injustice: Kenya’s Suppression of the 2023 Anti-Government Protests, lays bare the systemic abuses committed by police and state agents during the protests.
The demonstrations, organized by the opposition Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition, sought to address grievances over alleged fraud in the 2022 elections and the soaring cost of living under President William Ruto’s administration. Instead of engaging with the concerns of citizens, the government unleashed a brutal crackdown that violated fundamental rights.
Systematic Violence and Abuse
Based on 224 interviews across ten counties, the report details shocking accounts of arbitrary and excessive force by police:
- Lethal attacks: Police fired live ammunition and “rubber bullets” directly into crowds, killing at least 31 people, including children.
- Tear gas in safe spaces: Tear gas was indiscriminately fired into residential areas, schools, and homes.
- House-to-house terror: Violent raids left residents beaten, injured, and, in some cases, dead.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) recorded 67 fatalities during the protests, yet no meaningful steps have been taken to deliver justice.
Widespread Violations and Lasting Consequences
The abuses extended beyond the immediate protests:
- Arbitrary arrests and torture: Victims, including minors, faced illegal detention, torture, and inhumane treatment.
- Long-term impact: Survivors grapple with permanent disabilities, emotional trauma, and loss of livelihoods, while families of the deceased seek justice in vain.
- Culture of fear: Many victims are too afraid to report abuses due to intimidation and systemic inaction.
These actions violate Kenya’s Constitution and its obligations under international law, including the right to life, peaceful assembly, and freedom from torture.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
Amnesty International Kenya and Human Rights Watch demand immediate action to break the cycle of impunity:
- Investigate and prosecute: The Kenyan government must hold police and commanders accountable for violations.
- Judicial Commission of Inquiry: The President should establish an independent body to uncover the truth and propose lasting solutions.
- Comprehensive police reforms: Address the structural failures that allow such abuses to persist, including inadequate human rights training and weak accountability mechanisms.
- Support for victims: Survivors need justice, compensation, and medical and psychological support to rebuild their lives.
The Price of Impunity
Kenya’s failure to act emboldens further violations and erodes public trust. The government’s hostile response to legitimate grievances undermines democratic values and perpetuates suffering. Without decisive action, these injustices risk becoming the norm rather than the exception.
The time for justice and reform is now. Kenya must rise to its international obligations and demonstrate that the rights and dignity of its citizens are non-negotiable. Accountability is not just a legal requirement—it is a moral imperative to ensure peace and equality for all.
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Celebrating Champions of Justice and Human Rights: Teresa Njoroge, Daniela Ancira Ruiz, and Renee Ngamau
We are thrilled to celebrate Teresa Njoroge, an extraordinary advocate dedicated to ending the criminalization of poverty and the founder and CEO of Clean Start Africa. This transformative social enterprise empowers marginalized, imprisoned, and formerly imprisoned women and their children. Teresa’s remarkable commitment earned her recognition as one of Amnesty International USA’s 2024 Ginetta Sagan Award winners.
The Ginetta Sagan Award, named after a WWII resistance fighter turned champion for prisoners of conscience, honors outstanding achievements in defending human rights, often at great personal risk. It includes a $20,000 grant and shines a spotlight on critical issues threatening women’s and human rights worldwide.
Also awarded was Daniela Ancira Ruiz, a human rights lawyer and co-founder of La Cana, an organization revolutionizing Mexico’s prisons into spaces of opportunity, providing women with essential training and employment.
In addition, we proudly honored Renee Ngamau, whose dedication as an Amnesty International Board Member and former Chairperson of Amnesty International Kenya has been instrumental in strengthening human rights advocacy. Her leadership guided Amnesty International Kenya to achieve full section status—a milestone in our journey.
These incredible women inspire us with their unwavering dedication to justice and human rights. Teresa, Daniela, and Renee embody the spirit of activism, transforming lives and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. Today, we celebrate their courage, vision, and selfless contributions to building a fairer, more equitable world.