Nairobi, Kenya — The Kenya Human Rights Commission is raising serious concerns over police inaction following a violent incident at its headquarters last Sunday. Unidentified assailants disrupted a press briefing intended to give voice to mothers of victims of police brutality, leaving organizers alleging police negligence in their response.
The attackers breached the commission’s perimeter wall on Gitanga Road, violently interrupting the event, physically assaulting attendees, and stealing valuable electronics, including laptops and mobile phones. Security footage capturing the chaos has been submitted to law enforcement, but the KHRC claims there has been little effort by police to pursue the perpetrators.
In a statement, the commission criticized the police for their apparent focus on arrests related to the recent Saba Saba protests, which included significant property damage. “While police are active in pursuing those they term ‘goons’ from the Saba Saba protests, they remain silent on our case,” the KHRC said, underscoring their frustration with the lack of action.
The press conference, hosted by mothers advocating against state violence, was a platform to condemn practices such as arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings directed at peaceful demonstrators. During the altercation, two journalists were reportedly assaulted, and their equipment was stolen.
The commission revealed that the captured video clearly shows the attackers’ faces and has called for public assistance in identifying them. “This CCTV footage provides clear images. We urge the public to help us name these individuals,” the KHRC stated, demanding that authorities act swiftly to apprehend the culprits and secure the return of the stolen property.
Concerns are intensifying over potential state complicity or neglect in the matter, especially given the authorities’ silence days after the attack. The commission expressed unease about the safety of human rights defenders in the current climate and the chilling effect such incidents could have on their work.
“We need your assistance in identifying these individuals who attacked people at the KHRC office during a critical press conference,” the statement emphasized, calling for community support to enhance accountability.
As the situation develops, human rights organizations worry that, without a strong police response, the defenders may increasingly find themselves vulnerable to similar acts of violence.