From goons to surveillance? Rights groups tighten pressure on Ruto’s govt over insecurity claims
By Aloys Michael, July 14, 2026What began as accusations of hired goons disrupting government critics has now escalated into claims of police surveillance, placing President William Ruto’s administration under renewed political pressure over insecurity, police conduct and the protection of constitutional freedoms.
More than 100 civil society organisations and human rights defenders on Monday, July 13, 2026, petitioned police over the claimed surveillance and intimidation of officials from the Institute of Social Accountability (TISA), arguing that the latest incident points to an increasingly hostile environment for organisations critical of the government.
The petition marks one of the strongest collective challenges yet to the Kenya Kwanza administration, linking accusations of political intimidation, police conduct and rising insecurity into a single complaint. It also comes as President Ruto’s government continues to face criticism from opposition leaders, rights organisations and sections of the public over its handling of security operations following recent anti-government protests.
Led by former Chief Justice David Maraga, the organisations gathered at Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi to lodge a formal complaint over what they described as the systematic surveillance and trailing of TISA officials.
Key in the complaint is TISA Executive Director Diana Gichengo, whose life the organisations say is in danger after armed men said to be police officers attempted to force their way into the organisation’s offices a few days ago.
The rights groups further claim that Gichengo and other TISA officials have continued to be followed by unknown individuals driving Subaru vehicles without registration plates.
Former Law Society of Kenya President (LSK) and human rights defender Faith Odhiambo described the incident as part of a disturbing trend.
“At least 13 suspected police officers in four Subaru vehicles tried to access TISA offices…”
According to the coalition, the claimed surveillance represents a shift from the disruption of critics by suspected hired goons to what they describe as direct intimidation through security agencies.
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara said the pattern of alleged harassment was becoming increasingly worrying.
“TISA is the latest civil society organisation to be attacked, and the trend continues to worsen by the day.”
The organisations have now called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately investigate the allegations, identify those responsible and explain why police officers allegedly continue to operate in unmarked vehicles despite court orders requiring officers to be identifiable during operations.
Maraga questioned why officers would conceal their identities if their actions were lawful.
“If the government is doing the right thing, why is it hiding in unmarked vehicles, and why are police officers hiding their faces against the law?”
Siasa Place Executive Director Nerima Wako also demanded accountability from the country’s security agencies.
“We demand that the DCI and the Inspector General of Police officially account for the fleet of Subaru vehicles used on July 2.”
Claimed police surveillance
The petition comes weeks after a public participation forum on the national budget at All Saints Cathedral was disrupted by individuals described by organisers as goons.
Civil society organisations now argue that the claimed surveillance of activists reflects an escalation in tactics against those questioning public spending, governance and accountability.
Odhiambo accused the State of abandoning lawful policing in favour of intimidation.
“This is not law enforcement. It is organised state terror to silence civil society groups.”
Maraga linked the latest allegations to previous incidents involving politicians, activists and civilians.
“We cannot allow this to continue. It is their new tactic after using goons to silence politicians and civilians.”
The organisations contend that the pattern, if left unchecked, could undermine constitutional rights to free expression, association and public participation.
Government rejects the claims
The accusations come days after Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo dismissed claims that the government was behind abductions of activists and critics, insisting the Kenya Kwanza administration does not condone enforced disappearances.
“The cases that I would call purported abduction are people sleeping or locking themselves in their bedrooms and then they go out there,” Omollo said.
He argued that some reported disappearances were staged to attract publicity or portray the government negatively.
“Mwishowe unapata ni watu walikuwa wamejificha kibinafsi, ama kwa ile kutafuta umaarufu, ama kujaribu kutuonyesha kwamba kama serikali hatuzingatii maslahi ya Wakenya ama tunadhulumu Wakenya.”
Omollo further maintained that abductions were more prevalent under the previous administration than under President Ruto.
“Hiyo mambo ya utekaji nyara ni mambo ilipitwa na wakati. Actually, katika ile serikali iliyopita, ndio tulikuwa na hiyo changamoto ya watu walikuwa wanatekwa nyara. Tangu tuchukue usukani, na Mheshimiwa Rais William Ruto has been very clear katika uongozi wake, hakutakuwa na mambo kama hayo.”
His position has been echoed by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, who argued there is no evidence of abductions under the current administration.
“And so, I would close by saying, ‘No more abductions because we have not seen them. We don’t have evidence of people who were abducted and families complaining,” he said.
While the government insists the claims are unsubstantiated and continues to deny involvement in abductions or intimidation, the petition is likely to intensify scrutiny of the administration’s handling of insecurity and its relationship with civil society as political tensions continue to build.