Throughout history, protest has been a powerful tool for change. Today, powerful people, in Kenya and around the world, are cracking down on our right to protest. It must be protected.

Nairobi, 30th November 2023: Two weeks before the 60th anniversary of Kenyan independence and 75 years after the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Amnesty International Kenya and Tribeless Youth commissioned InfoTrak Research Consulting to conduct an identity-based poll to shed light on the pervasive issue of discrimination in Kenya. The poll, conducted between 10th and 15th November, sampled over 3000 Kenyans from all 47 counties. We commend the finding that 69% of Kenyans identify themselves primarily based on their nationality first before their tribes and religion. This highlights a strong sense of national identity among the populace. We call on leaders to foster more grounds that unite Kenyans and promote national unity, democracy, and participation of the people.

Authorities across the world are increasingly resorting to unlawful use of force and repressive legislation to crush protests, Amnesty International said today, as it launched an interactive digital map that exposes the shocking rise in the repression of protesters by states across the globe.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) asylum seekers and refugees living in one of Kenya’s biggest refugee camps routinely suffer hate crimes, violence, including rape, and other serious human rights abuses, the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) and Amnesty International said in a joint report.

Monday 27 March, Nairobi – The right to assemble, protest, picket and petition is enshrined under Article 37 of our Constitution. Other rights, including the freedom of expression, media, public participation, and the right to security of the person, underpin it. The right to protest played a powerful and transformative part in democratisation and constitutionalism, enshrining equality, equity, non-discrimination, constitutionalism, and human dignity.

Nairobi, 17 February 2023