The release of four abductees made headlines, but Justice Ngaah Jairus’s ruling on ex-Police IG Japhet Koome’s culpability this Wednesday and next week’s “Baby Pendo” hearing could be pivotal for those seeking greater police accountability. Three weeks of sustained public pressure and public interest litigation to have the abductees released finally paid off. As public…
The last day of 2024 saw the national crisis over the enforced disappearances of young citizens unfold dramatically in three courts, watched by millions. As the second week ends with no sign of their release, what might be the climax of this Kenyan tragedy? Spoiler Alert. Highly respected former Tahidi High actor Xavier Nato (RIP)…
After the Foreign Affairs Secretary’s recent comments, I interrupted myself from calling Governor Waiguru to request special protection as I travelled to Kirinyaga county this week. The Kenya Government’s response to the kidnapping, cross border transportation and arraignment of Dr. Kizza Besigye, remains unsatisfactory. What does this incident, the latest in a pattern of recent…
Despite a decade of disinformation and double speak, I remain committed to the power of data and evidence-based arguments. In this spirit, I welcomed the presence of the Police Inspector General before Parliament this week to submit statistics on abductions and missing persons. Delving deeper, what does it tell us about the recent abductions of…
Nairobi, 21 October 2024: The Police Reforms Working Group is shocked by the Government of Kenya’s admission that Kenyan law enforcement and foreign affairs agencies played a role in the refoulement and forced return of Mustafa Genç, Öztürk Uzun, Alparslan Taşçı, and Hüseyin Yeşilsu, four Turkish nationals from Kenya to Turkey. The principle of non-refoulement…
Nairobi, 19 October 2024: Amnesty International Kenya is deeply alarmed by the abduction of seven Turkish asylum seekers on October 18, 2024, in Nairobi. The individuals—Mustafa Genç, his son Abdullah Genç, Hüseyin Yeşilsu, Necdet Seyitoğlu, Öztürk Uzun, Alparslan Taşçı, and his wife Saadet Taşçı were reportedly kidnapped by unknown individuals. While Abdullah Genç, Necdet Seyitoğlu,…
Ten years after the passing of the 2010 constitution, one in two Kenyans still believed that there was no equality under the law. The Director of Public Prosecutions’ statement this week that there is not enough evidence to charge a single police officer after several public violent incidents further damaged the reputation of the authorities…
As the sun sets over the bustling streets of Dakar, delegates from across the African and Middle Eastern regions gather at the Amnesty International regional forum; their voices echo a shared commitment to uphold human rights amidst myriad challenges. Against the backdrop of conflict, displacement, and authoritarianism, the forum serves as a beacon of hope,…
Benna Buluma was not killed by raging floods. The Mathare based leader was killed by the lack of dignified housing, urban planning and misgovernance. This and the recent release of the global state of human rights report must trigger us to rethink how to future proof Kenya, Africa, and the world.
The 2023 Annual Missing Voices Report sheds light on the persisting issue of police impunity in Kenya, revealing both concerning trends and slight improvements in certain areas.
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.” The launch coincides with another public statement made the by President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto. On…