Kenya Says No to Biometric Exploitation

In 2023, Worldcoin—a cryptocurrency and digital identity platform—entered the Kenyan market, offering cryptocurrency worth approximately USD 55 in exchange for users’ biometric data, including iris scans and facial recognition. Marketed as a tool for financial inclusion, the initiative quickly raised alarms for its predatory nature, especially as it targeted vulnerable communities. Amnesty International Kenya, alongside civil society and investigative journalists, flagged the violations of the Data Protection Act (2019), citing Worldcoin’s failure to obtain informed consent, ensure transparency, or uphold accountability in its mass data collection.

of all unlawfully collected biometric data. This ruling is a landmark victory for data privacy and digital rights in Kenya. It affirms that personal data cannot be commodified under the guise of innovation and vindicates the sustained public concern and advocacy that brought these violations to light. More than a legal directive, the judgment restores the digital dignity of Kenyans and sets a strong precedent for protecting human rights in the digital age.

The Ongoing Struggle for Accountability in the Baby Pendo Case

In a long-awaited development, four police officers have taken plea before the High Court of Kenya for crimes against humanity—including murder, rape, and torture—committed against civilians during the violent aftermath of the 2017 general elections. Among the charges is the brutal killing of six-month-old Baby Samantha Pendo in Kisumu. This comes over two years after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) filed the case in 2022, following persistent delays and adjournments. However, the progress has been marred by the decision to drop charges against eight senior commanders initially implicated, responsible for overseeing the operations that left more than 60 Kenyans dead, raped, or injured.

Amnesty International Kenya is deeply concerned that the amended charge sheet was submitted without the input of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the lead investigative agency in the case. Even more troubling is the public release of the charge sheet containing names of victims and witnesses—an act that could compromise their safety and undermine the pursuit of justice. We continue to stand with the victims, survivors, and families affected by police brutality in 2017. Justice for Baby Pendo and others must not be selective. It must be thorough, victim-centred, and uphold the right to truth and reparation for all affected.

Crackdown on Filmmakers Undermines Press Freedom in Kenya

Just a day before World Press Freedom Day, four independent filmmakers—Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, and Chris Wamae—were arrested and had their equipment confiscated in connection with the BBC Africa Eye documentary Blood Parliament. Alongside our partners in the Police Reforms Working Group, Amnesty International Kenya condemned the arrests and demanded that the charges of “false publication” be dropped and that all equipment be returned. These actions represent a blatant attack on the constitutional rights to freedom of expression (Article 33) and media freedom (Article 34), as well as violations of regional and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter, the UDHR, and the ICCPR.

Even more troubling is the timing: the arrests came just two days after the Government of Kenya, through the Attorney General, recommitted to upholding human rights during the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva. This contradiction exposes a growing pattern of scapegoating dissenting voices instead of addressing the structural crises affecting millions—rising poverty, collapsing public health services, and an unsustainable tax burden. We continue to stand in solidarity with the four filmmakers as they face the legal process, and we call on the state to honour its constitutional and international obligations to protect, not punish, truth-tellers.

Finnish Support for Human Rights and Democratic Governance in Kenya

In a timely and meaningful exchange, Amnesty International Kenya joined representatives from the media, youth-led movements, human rights defenders, and governance organisations in a high-level dialogue with His Excellency Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb, and senior Finnish government officials. The delegation discussed Kenya’s evolving human rights landscape and the urgent need for stronger accountability—particularly in relation to the killings and abductions of protesters. The conversation also covered critical issues such as press freedom, youth political participation, femicide and gender-based violence, corruption and impunity, as well as the rise of digital disinformation.

As organisations working on the frontlines of justice and accountability, we urged the Government of Finland to deepen its support for democratic resilience, the protection of civic space, and the rule of law in Kenya.

Honoured for Standing Firm for Press Freedom

We are deeply honoured to receive the Award of Excellence from the Media Council of Kenya for our unwavering commitment to press freedom. For years, we have stood firm—defending journalists, bloggers, whistleblowers, and media houses from threats, intimidation, and shutdowns. This recognition is not just a milestone; it is a powerful reminder that our work matters. It fuels our resolve to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with the media. Because a free press is not a privilege—it is the backbone of a free and just society.

Tanzanian Crackdown on Trial Observers Raises Alarm

The Tanzanian government’s repression of trial observers during opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s recent court proceedings marked a grave assault on human rights, regional solidarity, and justice. Ahead of and during Lissu’s 19 May hearing, authorities arrested Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, while six other high-profile East African observers—including a former Chief Justice, former Justice Minister, lawyers, and human rights defenders—were deported or denied entry. Their only “crime” was to witness a deeply flawed judicial process already mired in state violence. Tundu Lissu was violently arrested after police stormed his peaceful rally calling for electoral reforms. He was later charged with “publishing false information” under draconian cybercrime laws—an offence treated as treasonous and potentially punishable by death. At his earlier hearing in April, 23 supporters were brutally attacked outside court, sustaining injuries and reporting sexual assault. It is against this backdrop that 18 observers from across the region travelled to Dar es Salaam—to shine a light on a case of national and international concern. Instead, they became targets themselves.

Advancing Digital Rights from Grassroots to Global Arenas

May was a defining month for our digital rights campaigns, reflecting our deep commitment to privacy, protection, and participation in the digital age—from local communities to continental platforms. We began in Abuja, Nigeria, at the 8th NADPA-RAPDP Conference and AGM 2025, where we joined Africa’s leading data protection authorities and policy experts to chart the continent’s path on data privacy, AI, and FinTech regulation. The conference affirmed a shared vision: building a trustworthy digital ecosystem that protects individual privacy across borders.

Back home, our Data Governance Mashinani campaign took root in Mombasa, empowering grassroots communities in Changamwe, Jomvu, and Likoni to understand and uphold their data rights. Through inclusive dialogues and trainings, we demystified the Data Protection Act and equipped residents with tools to protect personal information. In Tharaka Nithi, we co-hosted the Children Internet Governance Forum (IGF), where children imagined the internet they deserve, while our civil society-wide consultation on the draft Industry Guidelines on Child Online Protection highlighted the urgency of centering child safety in Kenya’s digital policy landscape. Together, these efforts underscore our belief that digital rights must be protected at every level—from the continent’s conference halls to the voices of children and grassroots changemakers.

In Memory and Honour: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Joseph Oduor

As we close this edition of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette, we pause to honour two towering figures whose lives, though distinct in path, were united in their unwavering belief in justice, dignity, and freedom.

We mourn the passing of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a literary giant, fearless dissenter, and unyielding defender of the freedom of expression. At the height of political persecution in Kenya, Ngũgĩ chose to write in his mother tongue, to speak truth to power, and to stand with the oppressed—despite the immense personal cost. He was detained without trial for his bold words and ideas, and it is with great pride that we remember Amnesty International adopting him as one of our Prisoners of Conscience. His life and works—rooted in resistance, memory, and imagination—will continue to inspire generations fighting for a freer and more just society.

We also grieve the loss of Joseph Oduor, a dedicated Amnesty Kenya member and an indispensable part of our Annual Delegates Conference Preparatory Committee. Joseph brought more than commitment to our work—he brought clarity, care, and courage. His sharp insights and quiet strength shaped not just our planning processes but the spirit of our collective work. He was deeply invested in member leadership and the belief that every voice matters. His legacy is one of integrity, humility, and the transformative power of collective action.

To the families, friends, and communities of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Joseph Oduor, we extend our deepest condolences and solidarity. May their memories be a guiding light in our continued struggle for justice and freedom.