Rights groups demand end to police brutality, attacks on civic space
By Viola Kosome, July 16, 2026Civil society organisations and human rights defenders from Western Kenya have raised alarm over what they describe as increasing attacks on civic space, accusing security agencies of using excessive force against peaceful protesters, intimidating journalists and targeting human rights defenders.
Speaking during a joint press briefing in Kisumu at Manyatta Social Justice Centre on July 16, 2026, Advocate of the High Court George Bush, on behalf of the organisations, said the country was witnessing a worrying erosion of constitutional freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
“We express our profound concern over the continued intimidation, harassment and attacks against civic space in Kenya. We stand in solidarity with all individuals and organisations that have been targeted for exercising their constitutional rights and defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” he said.
Bush alleged that the recent wave of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, unlawful detentions and intimidation of journalists undermines democratic governance and weakens public confidence in institutions mandated to protect citizens’ rights.
He said the organisations were particularly concerned that Kenyans exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly were increasingly facing violent dispersal, arrests and intimidation.
He added that journalists documenting demonstrations and community-based human rights defenders had also faced threats and intimidation while monitoring alleged violations and supporting victims.
The coalition also condemned reported security operations in places of worship, saying such actions undermine the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion, assembly and association.
Rael Hakai described what happened at St Stephen’s ACK Cathedral over the weekend as uncalled.
“The cathedral has consistently provided a safe space for citizens to engage in discussions on governance, accountability, taxation, and the economy. To see such a sacred institution become a target is alarming and unacceptable,” she said.
Human rights activist Willie Otiende of Manyatta B Social Justice Centre said attacks on churches that champion justice threatened Kenya’s democratic values.
“We refuse to accept a Kenya where sanctuaries become battlegrounds where goons want to exchange and fight in the name of supporting a politician,” he said.
Coalition demands police accountability
The organisations also commended faith leaders, journalists, lawyers, medical workers and human rights defenders for continuing to offer legal aid, emergency medical services, documentation of alleged abuses and psychosocial support despite what they described as an increasingly hostile environment.
They maintained that peaceful protest, public participation, and criticism of public institutions are constitutional rights and should not be criminalised.
On behalf of the coalition, Agnes Achieng called on the National Police Service to immediately stop the unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters and to respect protected spaces such as churches, hospitals, schools and media houses.
She further urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct prompt, impartial and transparent investigations into allegations of police brutality, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances reported during recent demonstrations, particularly in Western Kenya.
The coalition also appealed to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on Administrative Justice and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure accountability for human rights violations and strengthen protection mechanisms for victims, witnesses, journalists and human rights defenders.
Additionally, they called on county governments, faith-based organisations, development partners and the international community to support efforts aimed at protecting civic space and promoting democratic governance.
The organisations vowed to continue documenting alleged human rights violations, supporting affected communities and working with stakeholders to uphold constitutional freedoms.
“An attack on civic space is an attack on democracy itself. The protection of constitutional freedoms is a shared responsibility of the State, civil society, faith communities and all citizens,” said Achieng.