Civic space in East Africa is shrinking fast. Across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, abductions, harassment, and detention of activists and political opponents are becoming frighteningly routine. Even more alarming is how these abuses are increasingly occurring across borders and how our governments seem to collaborate in committing them.
Despite the Kenyan Government’s silence, the detailed accounts of East African human rights defenders Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire at the hands of Tanzanian police officers remains deeply disturbing one week on. Their courage to tell all has opened the world’s eyes to some of the worst human rights abuses in East Africa. The veil lifted, this week international attention shifted to the persecution of prominent religious leaders who have dared to criticize the Government’s behaviour.
The moment all authoritarians dread showed up this week. Despite several efforts to insulate himself from the deaths of thousands of Filipinos, former President Rodrigo Duterte (71) was arrested Tuesday. Now before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, what signal does this send to other authoritarians world-wide?
In a time of mounting challenges to human rights, our collective resilience continues to shine through. This edition of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette is a testament to the power of activism, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to justice. From exposing human rights violations and holding power to account, to standing in solidarity with communities demanding change, we remain steadfast in our mission. We bring you stories of courage—of individuals and movements refusing to stay silent in the face of oppression. We honour those who have dedicated their lives to the fight for justice, even as we mourn the loss of a tireless champion in the education sector. As we turn these pages, let us remember: the struggle for dignity, freedom, and accountability is one we must continue—together, and without fear.
Nairobi, Thursday, 25th July 2024: Amnesty International Kenya welcomes the ruling by High Court Judge Kanyi Kimondo that 11 Police Commanders and Officers have a case to answer in the case of Baby Samantha Pendo. The officers are being charged with 47 crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape.
In a public statement issued today, Amnesty International is raising concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the establishment of human rights safeguards for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, that is expected to be deployed in the coming months.