Friday, 4 September 2026

Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Friday, 4 September 2026

Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—

Kenyan press · Organization

Kenya Human Rights Commission

Also known as: KHRC

Kenya Human Rights Commission — human rights watchdog that has called for investigations into journalist abductions, electoral violence, torture of protesters, and alleged state harassment of activists.

2026-04-262026-09-04

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

May 2026
6 MayCitizen Digital
… The Kenya Human Rights Commission has strongly condemned Suluhu over calls to “crack the whip” quite literally on activists and Gen Z youth opposing the governments of Kenya and Tanzania. …
Activists condemn Suluhu over ‘crack the whip’ remarks on Gen Z protests
6 MayCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6 — Civil society groups led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Okoa Uchumi campaign are demanding that the National Assembly compel the government to publicly release the International Monetary Fund Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Report for Ke …
Civil groups demand release of IMF governance report in Kenya within 30 days
April 2026
KHRC to sue UDA over Ksh69 million unpaid PAYE tax
1. 27 AprCapital News
  NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 27 – The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has announced plans to sue the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing the party of large-scale tax evasion, financial mismanagement, and violations of labour laws based on findings by the Auditor-General …
  KHRC Threatens Legal Action Against UDA Over Alleged Tax Evasion and Misuse of Public Funds
2. 26 AprCitizen Digital
  KHRC to sue UDA over alleged Ksh.69 million tax evasion, misuse of public funds By Citizen Reporter April 26, 2026 04:55 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize The Kenya Human Rights Commission ( …
  KHRC to sue UDA over alleged Ksh.69 million tax evasion, misuse of public funds

Politics

Rights bodies demand arrest over Standard Editor abduction

The News

The Kenya Human Rights Commission has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of officers responsible for the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was found alive near Masinga Dam nine hours after being taken along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway. KHRC described the incident as unlawful and brutal, arguing it raises serious questions about law enforcement conduct and journalist protection.

2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 2 September

Rights bodies demand arrest over Standard Editor abduction
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of officers responsible for the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was found alive near Masinga Dam nine hours after being taken along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway. KHRC described the incident as unlawful and brutal, arguing it raises serious questions about law enforcement conduct and journalist protection.
2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Human rights groups demand arrests over journalist Alex Kiprotich abduction
Human rights groups have demanded the arrest and prosecution of those behind the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was abducted by armed men on Tuesday along the Gilgil-Nakuru road and found safe on Wednesday morning near Masinga Dam. The Kenya Human Rights Commission, Amnesty Kenya and Defenders Coalition condemned the incident and called for an independent investigation, linking it to reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
2 September 2026 · The Standard →
Standard Group CEO recounts journalist Alex Kiprotich's abduction
Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted on the Gilgil-Nakuru road on Tuesday evening and released in Machakos County early Wednesday. Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita said armed men in a Subaru opened fire and forced Kiprotich from his vehicle, drove him through the Rift Valley, and left him in a thicket before he walked to safety.
2 September 2026 · The Standard →
Political leaders condemn journalist Alex Kiprotich's abduction
Political leaders, lawyers and rights organisations have condemned the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was seized by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru road and found dumped near Masinga Dam in Machakos County about nine hours later. The Orange Democratic Movement and other leaders called the incident an affront to press freedom and demanded an investigation.
2 September 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 11 August

Government defends Hustler Fund citing high uptake in Nyeri County
The State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's criticism of the Hustler Fund as a "lost cause" by citing data showing that 420,000 Kenyans in Nyeri County have accessed the fund, borrowing a cumulative Sh1.88 billion, with an 88 per cent repayment rate.
11 August 2026 · Capital News →

Friday 17 July

Maraga warns Ol Kalou by-election signals 2027 election risks
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called Thursday's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election a preview of the 2027 General Election, citing reports of intimidation, bribery, and violence. According to Maraga, at least eight people were injured in clashes, masked men assaulted residents, and voters were offered money and goods in exchange for their votes.
17 July 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 15 July

KHRC warns of violence, intimidation in Ol Kalou by-election
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has raised concerns about electoral violence, voter intimidation, voter bribery and misuse of public resources ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16, warning that such incidents undermine constitutional provisions and threaten the credibility of the poll. According to KHRC, clashes between rival political supporters have left at least eight people injured, damaged property and disrupted campaign activities in the constituency.
15 July 2026 · Capital News →
KHRC calls for credible Ol Kalou by-election amid bribery claims
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has demanded that the IEBC ensure a credible Ol Kalou by-election amid claims of bribery, intimidation and resource misuse. The commission called for an independent, impartial and transparent poll and asked the National Police Service to increase security while ensuring officers remain professional and impartial.
15 July 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 14 July

Kisumu family demands justice for boda-boda rider killed in church violence
A 31-year-old boda-boda rider, Dickson Oduongo, was killed during chaos that erupted near St Stephen's ACK Cathedral in Kisumu on July 12, 2026, when rival groups clashed during a Kenya Anglican Men Association service attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. His family says he had no political affiliation and is demanding justice and speedy investigations into his death.
14 July 2026 · The Standard →
Rights groups demand investigation into alleged state attacks on activists
Human rights groups have called for investigations into alleged attacks targeting civic organisations and human rights defenders, specifically condemning harassment of The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), its Executive Director Diana Gichengo, and the Okoa Uchumi Campaign. The coalition urged IPOA and other agencies to investigate an alleged attempted raid on TISA's offices and a broader pattern of alleged coordinated attacks including enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and torture.
14 July 2026 · The Standard →
Karua accuses Ruto administration of failing to protect women, children
People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has accused President William Ruto's administration of failing its constitutional duty to protect Kenyans from escalating violence against women and children, citing weak enforcement of existing laws and systemic failures. She called for urgent action from relevant ministries and institutions, and urged full implementation of a technical working group report on gender-based violence with clear timelines, adequate funding and measurable targets.
14 July 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 10 July

KHRC and Elimu Bora seek court order to block dormitory reopening
The Kenya Human Rights Commission and Elimu Bora Working Group have filed a constitutional petition seeking to prevent the reopening of Meline Waithera dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, where 16 students died in an arson attack. The organisations argue that past safety failures must be addressed and recommendations implemented before the dormitory reopens, with eight girls charged in connection with the incident.
10 July 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 30 June

Human rights groups condemn GSU harassment over Shanta Gold
Human rights groups including the Kenya Human Rights Commission have condemned alleged harassment of residents in Vihiga and Siaya counties by General Service Unit officers, saying the operation has targeted individuals who questioned Shanta Gold mining operations and sought justice through lawful means.
30 June 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 29 June

Lawyer challenges NTSA vehicle inspection rules in High Court
A Nairobi advocate has filed a constitutional petition seeking to suspend the NTSA's new Motor Vehicle Inspection Rules scheduled to take effect on July 1, arguing they were enacted without public participation and would subject motorists to unconstitutional fees and penalties.
29 June 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 27 June

Six missing June 25 protesters found tortured in Nairobi
Six people who went missing during June 25 anniversary protests commemorating victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests have been found alive after being allegedly tortured and abandoned in different parts of Nairobi, including Lang'ata Road and Talanta Stadium. Civil rights groups led by Kenya Human Rights Commission and Haki Africa confirmed the findings; the victims were being treated in hospital.
27 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Six arrested Gen Z protesters found tortured, dumped in Nairobi
Six protesters arrested during a memorial march for those killed by police in June 2024 were found "dumped and tortured" in different parts of Nairobi on Saturday morning, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission. About 355 people were arrested across the country during the march, and at least 127 were killed during protests in June-July 2024 and a similar period in 2025.
27 June 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 26 June

Six activists missing after arrest during Gen Z protest
Six activists arrested on Thursday during Gen Z protest commemoration are now reported missing; their whereabouts cannot be traced, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, which has called on the government to release them or present them in court.
26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 25 June

Orengo criticizes government interference in June 25 anniversary protests
Siaya Governor James Orengo and other opposition leaders including Eugene Wamalwa, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Martha Karua were denied access to Parliament on Thursday as they attempted to lay wreaths commemorating victims of June 25 anti-government protests. Orengo accused the government of interfering with Kenyans' right to lawful assembly and called for June 25 to be recognized as an official national mourning day.
25 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Rights commission demands police remove Nairobi road barricades
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has demanded the immediate removal of road barricades across Nairobi, arguing that police have defied a High Court ruling delivered last year that barred police from obstructing public roads without prior notice. The Commission stated that the roadblocks have impeded freedom of movement and curtailed access to healthcare, emergency services, peaceful assembly, and economic activity.
25 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 24 June

KHRC and partners address electoral-related sexual violence
The Kenya Human Rights Commission and partners are addressing electoral-related sexual violence ahead of the 2027 polls.
24 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Activists defend Gen Z right to protest as state warns on unrest
Activists and opposition figures accused the government of deliberately intimidating Kenyans ahead of Gen Z-led commemorations marking two years since the protests, while security agencies warned they were prepared to respond to any unrest. Demonstrators are expected to take to the streets on June 25.
24 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 23 June

Activists proceed with June 25 protest despite government warning
Activists say planned demonstrations to commemorate victims of June 25 anti-government protests will proceed as scheduled across the country, and have warned the government against using force or deploying goons to disrupt the peaceful protests.
23 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Activists confirm June 25 protest will proceed despite warnings
Activists say planned demonstrations to commemorate victims of the June 25 Gen Z protests of 2025 and 2024 will proceed as scheduled across Kenya, warning the government against using force or deploying "goons" to disrupt the protests.
23 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Sunday 21 June

Victims of June 2024 protests demand justice ahead of memorial
As Kenya approaches the second anniversary of the June 2024 deadly protests against the Finance Bill, survivors and families of victims gathered at a church service to remember those who died. Survivors, some permanently injured, say their only remedy now is compensation as they wait for justice.
21 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 19 June

UK seeks clarity on British uniform misuse at Nanyuki Ebola protests
A 17-year-old was killed during anti-Ebola facility protests in Nanyuki on June 9, prompting the British High Commission to ask the Kenyan government for clarification after a police officer allegedly wore a British military uniform during the clashes. Police say the cause of death will be determined through post-mortem examination, with investigations ongoing.
19 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 17 June

Havi challenges process behind police brutality compensation report
Senior Counsel Nelson Havi has questioned the constitutional basis of a Kenya Human Rights Commission report recommending compensation for approximately 1,100 victims of police brutality, arguing that the process bypassed established legal mechanisms and risks shielding perpetrators from accountability. Havi contends that victim identification, liability determination, and compensation assessment should be undertaken by constitutionally mandated institutions rather than panels established outside the legal framework.
17 June 2026 · The Standard →
Rights defenders reject Kenya's Sh2bn reparations as insufficient
Human rights defenders have criticized the government's Sh2bn compensation plan for protest victims, saying it shields police officers by paying victims without naming their killers. Christine Alai, chair of the International Commission of Jurists Kenya chapter, called the reparations framework "significant but not historic," arguing Kenya has a pattern of setting up compensation panels without holding perpetrators accountable.
17 June 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 15 June

Provost claims powerful individuals protecting All Saints Church attack suspects
Reverend Canon Evans Omollo, Provost at All Saint's Cathedral in Nairobi, has alleged that powerful individuals instructed investigating officers to abandon the case following a goon invasion at the Church's conference facility on Friday, and expressed fears that justice will not be served.
15 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Sunday 14 June

CCTV captures coordinated attack on cathedral budget forum
CCTV footage from All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi shows what appears to be a coordinated operation that disrupted a post-budget dialogue forum attended by lawyers, clergy, and civil society activists. The attack unfolded in two phases—first via motorcycles and later on foot—forcing participants to flee and raising questions about political violence and state accountability.
14 June 2026 · Capital News →

Saturday 13 June

LSK vows to pursue sponsors of political violence with accountability
The Law Society of Kenya said it will pursue sponsors, organisers, and perpetrators of political violence and "goonism" with "bulldog tenacity," following a disruption of a civil society budget dialogue forum in Nairobi. LSK President Charles Kanjama said the organization will work with human rights defenders and civil society to ensure those behind acts of political violence and intimidation are identified and prosecuted.
13 June 2026 · Capital News →