The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has strongly condemned the disruption of a peaceful civil society meeting held at All Saints Cathedral, describing the incident as a violation of constitutional rights and democratic principles.
KNCHR noted that attacks on places of worship and peaceful assemblies undermine constitutional freedoms and threaten democratic governance.
The Commission emphasized that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to freedom of conscience, expression, association, and peaceful assembly. It cited Articles 32, 33, 36, and 37 as key protections that must be respected by both state and non-state actors.
Rights and Freedoms Must Be Protected
According to KNCHR, any attempt to intimidate, harass, or violently disrupt lawful gatherings amounts to a direct attack on fundamental human rights.
The Commission reaffirmed that civil society organizations, human rights defenders, faith-based institutions, and ordinary citizens have a constitutional right to assemble and participate in civic discussions without fear of interference.
The statement comes amid growing concerns about the shrinking civic space in the country and increasing tensions surrounding public participation on governance issues.
Police Intervention Welcomed
KNCHR commended the National Police Service (NPS) for its prompt intervention during the incident and welcomed ongoing investigations into the matter.
The Commission called for all individuals involved in planning, financing, organizing, or carrying out the attack to be identified and held accountable through a transparent legal process.
It stressed that accountability is essential in safeguarding democratic freedoms and preventing a culture of impunity. A key concern raised by the Commission was reports suggesting that young people may have been mobilized to disrupt the meeting.
KNCHR warned that exploiting youth for acts of intimidation or violence undermines their rights, dignity, and role in democratic participation. The Commission urged young people to reject involvement in unlawful activities and instead contribute positively to civic engagement, accountability, and democratic processes.
Commitment to Protecting Civic Space
KNCHR reiterated its commitment to protecting civic space and defending the rights and freedoms of all people in Kenya.
KNCHR also encouraged members of the public to continue reporting human rights violations through its official reporting channels.
It maintained that protecting constitutional freedoms remains critical to strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring that all citizens can freely participate in public affairs without intimidation or violence.
