July 2025 was a month marked by courage, crisis, and constitutional reckoning. As Kenyans took to the streets in 20 counties to commemorate Saba Saba and demand accountability, they were met with excessive force, mass arrests, and grave human rights violations—including the deaths of at least 38 people and the charging of hundreds under laws meant for terrorism and capital offences. We witnessed disturbing attacks on peaceful gatherings, erosion of judicial independence, misuse of digital surveillance, and targeted intimidation of human rights defenders. Yet, amid the repression, citizens, civil society, and justice actors stood firm. This edition of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette bears witness to their resistance and renews our call on all state institutions to uphold the Constitution, protect fundamental freedoms, and ensure justice without fear or favour.

This edition of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette comes at a time when the soul of our nation is being tested. In June, Kenyans stood up in their thousands—mourning lives lost in police custody, demanding justice for Gen Z victims, and resisting laws that threatened their privacy and dignity. From the tragic killing of Albert Ojwang to the brutal crackdown on peaceful protestors, we witnessed both the depths of state repression and the unrelenting courage of those who refuse to be silenced. Yet even amid grief and injustice, rays of hope emerged—charges dropped, rights defended, and dangerous clauses struck from law. This month, we honour the struggle, spotlight the wins, and reaffirm our collective power to stand up, speak out, and shape a more just and humane Kenya.

This issue of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette captures a year of reckoning for Kenya—marked by brutal state repression, rising femicide, mass evictions, and the criminalisation of dissent. Yet amidst the violence and silencing, voices of resistance continue to rise—from schoolgirls tear-gassed for performing a play, to communities demanding justice in the face of police killings. We document these truths, celebrate the courage of those who refuse to be silenced, and spotlight the power of solidarity—from our data rights allies to our new Amnesty Duka. This issue is a call to action: read it, share it, and stand with those building a freer, more just Kenya..

Nairobi, 23 January 2024:  The Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group express deep concern over the recent arrest of Grace Njoki Mulei at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh while seeking medical assistance for a knee surgery.

Welcome to this special issue of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette, where we reflect on a year that has tested our resolve, strengthened our alliances, and amplified our mission to defend human rights for all. In 2024, we stood at the forefront of pivotal moments in Kenya and beyond—challenging injustices, empowering communities, and advocating for dignity and equality in the face of mounting challenges. From rebuilding hope after tragedy to holding the powerful accountable, we have demonstrated that collective action and unwavering determination can ignite change. This issue captures the essence of our journey, celebrating the milestones we’ve achieved, the lives we’ve touched, and the bold vision we continue to pursue as we stand steadfast in the fight for justice and freedom.

Nairobi, 17 December 2024: The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), Amnesty International Kenya, The Law Society of Kenya, and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit acknowledge the transfer of key commanding officers following the conclusion of the Internal Affairs Unit’s investigation into the unlawful and disproportionate use of force during the 10 December 2024 International Human Rights Day March. On 16 December 2024, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, announced the transfer of Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Doris Mugambi, SSP, to Vigilance House, and Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Cl Nur to Mulot. In their place, former BuruBuru Deputy OCPD Stephen Okal, SSP, has been appointed as the new Nairobi Central OCPD, while CI Talaam will now serve as the new Central OCS. While this is a step toward accountability, it falls far short of addressing the systemic issues that enable such abuses.

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.

Nairobi, 5 November 2024: Amnesty International Kenya, Utu Wetu Trust and the International Justice Mission express disappointment with today’s representation by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the case of baby Samantha Pendo and 60 others whose rights were grossly violated by 12 senior police officers in 2017. Prosecutor Vincent Monda’s application once again, to defer plea-taking due to the absence of a suspect, further delays justice. We welcome the court’s assurance that plea-taking will take place alongside the appearance of Police Inspector General to explain why 12th accused officer Mohamed Baa has not been arrested, on 15 January 2025. 

Nairobi, 23 May 2024: Amnesty International Kenya and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa express deep concern with Clause 63 of the Finance Bill (2024), which seeks to exempt the Kenya Revenue Authority from the provisions of the Data Protection Act. We strongly urge the National Assembly to reject this proposed amendment of the Data Protection Act, informed by the several considerations below.

Nairobi, 24 April 2024: Amnesty International Kenya receives with shock and sadness the news that Benna “Mama Victor” Buluma and at least two members of her family have died in the flash floods being experienced in Nairobi.

Wednesday, 24th April 2024. Today, the Missing Voices Coalition launches its 2023 Annual Report. This is the fourth report and a great milestone for the Coalition. The theme of the 2023 report is “End Police Impunity.”

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