Kenya National Commision on Human Rights

KNCHR today hosted a delegation from Tana River County, led by Tana River Governor, His Excellency Major (Rtd.) Dhadho Gaddae Godhana (R).

The KNCHR team, led by Prof. Marion Mutugi (L) received a petition outlining several critical human rights concerns affecting residents in the Tana River and wider coastal area.

This strategic dialogue underscores the vital, ongoing journey to continuously improve and safeguard human rights standards within devolved governance.

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Ms. Claris Ogangah (2R) joined stakeholders at the launch of the Pre-Election Disputes Resolution (Pre-EDR) Report and Case Digest for the 2022 General Election, developed by the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa ( ) in collaboration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( ).

Held on Thursday, 9 July 2026, under the theme "Path to the Polls: Electoral Integrity Through Justice and Dispute Resolution," the event, supported by , highlighted the importance of timely, credible and accessible electoral dispute resolution in strengthening democratic governance. The two publications capture key lessons from the 2022 General Election and provide practical recommendations to enhance electoral justice, safeguard political rights and promote public confidence in Kenya's electoral processes ahead of the 2027 polls.

Ungana na Naibu Mkurugenzi na Mkuu wa Maswala ya Sheria KNCHR, Cyrus Maweu, pamoja na wachanganuzi, waathiriwa, Afisa Mtendaji wa na mtangazaji wa , katika kipindi cha Mwenge wa Kaunti.

🗓️ Leo, 7/7
🕙 Saa Nne asubuhi (10AM)
📺 Mada: Fidia na Haki

KNCHR submitted its comments on the Penal Code Amendment Bill 2026 sponsored by MP Hon. George Gitonga Murugara. By systematically excising mandatory death sentences, shifting reverse burdens of proof and decriminalizing freedom of speech, the Bill successfully anchors the Penal Code in the progressive human rights principles of the Constitution.
The Commission welcomes the legislative proposals under the Penal Code ( Amendment Bill) which represent a meaningful step towards aligning Kenya's criminal law with the constitutional and International Framework.

KNCHR welcomes the Labour Migration and Management Bill (No. 2) of 2024, which proposes a significant shift in labour migration governance aimed at safeguarding the rights of Kenyan migrant workers.

As part of its constitutional mandate to promote and protect human rights, KNCHR led by Commissioner Hon. Sarah Bonaya (R), presented a comprehensive memorandum on the Labour Migration and Management Bill (Senate Bill No. 42 of 2024) before the 's Departmental Committee on Labour.

The Commission supports efforts to replace the current fragmented regulatory framework with a single, robust legal regime that strengthens accountability, establishes clear oversight mechanisms and provides comprehensive protection for thousands of Kenyans pursuing livelihood opportunities beyond our borders.

WE ARE HIRING!

If you are interested and possess the qualifications, please apply online through the KNCHR recruitment portal recruitment.knchr.org by COB Monday, 20th July 2026.
The KNCHR is committed to implementing the provisions of the Constitution - Chapter 232 (1) on fair competition and merit, representation of Kenya’s diverse communities and affording equal employment opportunities to men, women of all ethnic groups and persons with disabilities. Therefore, qualified intersex persons, persons with disabilities, persons from marginalized communities and the minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Representing KNCHR at the 9th World Congress against the Death Penalty in Paris, France; KNCHR Chairperson Ms. Claris Ogangah joins global voices to advocate for the universal abolition of the death penalty.

Kenya continues to make significant strides in this journey, most notably through KNCHR's robust legal advocacy and the ongoing commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment.

KNCHR remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the sanctity of human life and reforming Kenya's justice system to reflect international human rights standards.

PRESS STATEMENT
Enforced Disappearances, Torture and other Human Rights Violations following the 25thJune 2026 Protests Marking the 2nd Anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z Protests.

This statement documents some of the grave human rights violations that occurred and continue to emerge in connection with the protests. The Commission calls for urgent action and accountability.

Enforced Disappearances.

The Commission documented seven incidents of enforced disappearance of peaceful protestors by the police on 25th June 2026. Six protestors: Boniface Mulinge Muteti, Elisha Ochieng Alam, Collins Otieno, Fredrick Ojiro, Christine Alubengo and Michael Ngige, were arrested outside Parliament, bundled in a police truck and driven away. Efforts to trace them were fruitless, as they were not booked in any police station. The police denied holding them despite the arrest having been witnessed on live TV news.
In another incident in Githurai, an unidentified male was forcibly apprehended by unknown
individuals and taken away in a concealed Subaru vehicle. Another protestor, Davis Lichuma, was found yesterday (28th June 2026) evening, four days after being arrested by the police during the protests. Lichuma, who was visibly traumatized and in a lot of pain, is currently in hospital in Nairobi.
The Commission has also received reports of three other persons; Macmillan Kiarie, Michael Oloo and Abdilaziz Duba, who were allegedly picked by security agencies last week in Nairobi and have since been missing.

Violation of the Right to Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Detention, and Freedom of
the Media.

The Commission had documented the arrest of three hundred and sixty-one (361) persons across Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, Murang’a, Bungoma, Laikipia, Machakos, Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru and Nyamira counties.
The Commission notes with concern that, among those detained, were eighteen (18) Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) arrested in Nairobi, Naivasha and Kajiado.
KNCHR is further concerned by the arrest and detention of two (2) freelance journalists who were taken into custody while lawfully covering the protests and are currently being held at Central Police Station.

(READ MORE)

Has your family member been arrested or has gone missing following today's Peaceful Commemoration of Gen-Z protests Anniversary?
Reach out through these hotlines.