The Government of Kenya has defended its human rights record in a formal response to a joint communication from United Nations Special Rapporteurs.
In a statement seen by Radio Generation, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to international human rights obligations.
The letter was addressed to UN experts, including Mary Lawlor, Irene Khan, Gina Romero, and Matthew Gillett.
The government said it remains bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
It stressed that the Constitution provides one of the world’s most comprehensive frameworks for protecting rights.
The Prime CS noted that concerns raised by the UN are under active investigation by independent institutions. These include the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The government said it could not comment in detail to avoid prejudicing ongoing cases.
Mudavadi highlighted Kenya’s civil society space, saying that more than 14,000 organizations are registered and operate freely.
He also pointed to the Public Benefit Organizations Act, which came into effect in May 2024, as a measure to strengthen transparency and reduce bureaucracy.
On specific cases, the government confirmed that activists Mark Amiani, John Mulingwa Nzau, and Francis Mutunge Mwangi faced charges of incitement to violence and malicious damage to property. They were released on bail in July 2025.
Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and released on bail in June 2025 and judicial proceedings are ongoing.
The government also confirmed the deportation of Martin Mavenjina on national security grounds.
“His case is under appeal before the Immigration Appeals Tribunal.”
Kenya insisted that all arrests and deportations followed due process.
“The Government of Kenya reaffirms its commitment to constitutional democracy, rule of law, and international human rights obligations,” Mudavadi stressed.
He also acknowledged past lapses, saying: “We regret the absence of a response to UA KEN 4/2024 and assure you that this oversight will not recur.”
On freedoms of expression and assembly, Mudavadi cited constitutional guarantees.
He noted that a directive by the Communications Authority restricting broadcasts was suspended by the High Court.
The Prime CS emphasized that the Public Order Act requires only notification, not approval, for public gatherings.
The statement addressed concerns over the use of force during protests, saying that police are bound by standing orders and a 2020 policy requiring non-violent means first.
“IPOA is investigating the deaths of 16 people during protests on June 25, 2025,” he said.
Investigations are also underway into protests in 2024 and an incident involving the Kenya Human Rights Commission in July 2025.
Victims and families, the government said, have access to remedies through civil suits, public interest litigation, and the National Coroner Service Act.
Mudavadi added that President William Ruto has also established a 14-member panel to propose compensation for victims of demonstrations.
The panel’s legality is being challenged in court.
