Kenya responds to UN over allegations of human rights violations

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended Kenya's human rights record in a detailed response to the United Nations following allegations of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on the media during the June 25, 2025, protests. 

In a letter issued on Monday, Mudavadi acknowledged receipt of the UN communication sent on August 5, 2025, which raised concerns about violations against human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors during the anti-government demonstrations. 

The UN highlighted several accusations leveled against the Kenyan government in curbing media freedom, including police officers allegedly raiding media houses to halt live protest coverage and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reportedly banning live broadcasts of the protests.

Further, in terms of human rights, the Kenyan government was accused of arresting and detaining four human rights defenders (Mark Amiani, John Mulingwa Nzau, Francis Mutunge Mwangi, and Boniface Mwangi), deporting Martin Mavenjina, a Ugandan legal adviser at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and disruption of the commission’s press conference by unidentified armed individuals.

The UN communication sought the Kenyan government to provide an explanation for the allegations, detail investigations into the alleged use of force during protests and explain legal mechanisms to protect human rights. 

In response to the letter, CS Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to upholding constitutional rights and international standards stipulated under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He stated that the issues raised were already under active investigation by independent constitutional bodies, including the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

He added that all arrests and prosecutions of the four activists followed due process, citing that they were charged and produced in court within 24 hours as required by law. 

The Foreign Affairs CS clarified that the June 25 directive by CA to halt live broadcasts of protests was suspended by the High Court pending a constitutional review. 

Mudavadi noted that IPOA had also opened inquests into all 16 deaths reported during the demonstrations.

"Kenya takes the concerns raised in your Joint Communication seriously, both as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and as a stable democracy that upholds freedoms of speech, press, fair trial, and peaceful assembly, including demonstration, picketing, and petitioning," he stated in the letter. 

CS Mudavadi reiterated the formation of a 14-member panel in August 2025 to propose compensation measures for victims of demonstrations and public protests. The matter is, however, pending in court. 

"The Government of Kenya reaffirms its commitment to democracy, rule of law, and international human rights obligations. We regret the absence of a response to UA KEN 4/2024 and assure you that this oversight will not recur," he concluded.