#KnowTheDefendersCoalition #StandUp4HumanRights Since its founding in 2007, the Defenders Coalition has championed a safe and secure operating environment for frontline Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Kenya. We work to promote and protect the rights and freedoms of those who promote and protect the rights of others. Know more about our work on our website here defenderscoalition.org

Tanzanian human rights defender Twaha Mwaipaya was reportedly abducted at approximately 2:00pm today in Kamulu, Machakos County, by individuals travelling in three vehicles, one of which was a Toyota Land Cruiser hardtop. Twaha was en route by taxi to visit friends when the incident occurred. There is an urgent need to establish his whereabouts. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward immediately. We call on Kenyan authorities to take swift action to locate him and ensure his safety and protection. Please share widely and help spread the word. #FreeTwahaMwaipaya #EndAbductionsEA #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners

‘One of the most powerful things that we have seen over the years is how Kenyan young people have risen up to really stand up for their rights and make their voices count and seeing all these young people here is a testament to that’ - Wilson Chivhanga @afrotellers Read more @PeopleDailyKe 👇 epaper.peopledaily.digital/h… #SanaaNaHaki #MashujaaLove

Defenders Coalition is joining the @LawSocietyofKe Law Society of Kenya and other partners for Legal Awareness Week 2026 to connect communities with legal professionals and justice services across the country. The sessions are to be held countrywide between 26th - 30th October 2026. We encourage human rights defenders (HRDs) across the country to mobilise community members, rights holders, and individuals facing legal challenges to attend the activities and seek legal counsel from qualified advocates. Here is a schedule for the sessions in Nairobi. Stay tuned for the schedule in the other parts of the country.

The Defenders Coalition thanks you, the Shujaaz, for joining the 8th #MashujaaLoveConcert! This was a culmination of intentional engagements with the youth at their own spaces and for enhancing accountability, responsiveness, leadership and by the youth!

PRESS STATEMENT The Defenders Coalition @DefendersKE is particularly concerned by the use of force and intimidation against journalists while in their line of duty. The act of documenting a demonstration does not make a journalist a participant in the protest, nor does it justify harassment, assault, intimidation or arbitrary arrest for participants. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of violence, detention or retaliation for reporting on matters of public interest. Read full statement defenderscoalition.org/press…

Harrison Kinyanjui: The judiciary is captive to foreign entities. If the Auditor-General continues reporting the loss of public funds every day, what can an ordinary Kenyan do? Hosts:@nduokoh & @dennisaseto Producer:@EverlyneMungai #TheSituationRoom

Advocate Harrison Kinyanjui and Defenders Coalition Executive Director Kamau Ngugi walked into The Situation Room today and dropped absolute bombshells on the state of human rights in Kenya. From gagged voices and shrinking civic space to what’s really happening behind the scenes in the justice system. #TheSituationRoom

HAPPENING NOW Our Executive Director @dkisngugi is at @SpiceFMKE this morning for a conversation on media freedom in Kenya. From the recent arrests of journalists covering peaceful assemblies to intimidation of media houses, recent events have renewed concerns about the environment in which Kenyan journalists are working.  Follow the discussion here 👉 piped.video/live/aJziPqdfghM…

𝗣𝗢𝗠𝗣, 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗨𝗝𝗔𝗔 𝗗𝗔𝗬 It was pomp and colour yesterday at Alliance Française as human rights defenders, social justice activists, young cadres and revolutionary artists came together to celebrate Mashujaa Day. Often forgotten despite their sacrifices, human rights defenders spend their days supporting victims, pursuing justice, documenting violations and defending democracy. Many endure trauma, threats, inadequate pay and even volunteer their personal resources to keep the struggle alive. Organised by the @DefendersKE , the gathering offered these everyday heroes a well-deserved opportunity to unwind, reconnect, laugh and recharge their revolutionary batteries. The revolutionary Gidduku Band and other artists reminded us that art is a powerful weapon in challenging oppression, inspiring resistance and imagining a better society. Special appreciation to the Defenders Coalition for creating this beautiful space of solidarity, joy and renewed revolutionary energy. Yesterday, we celebrated the heroes among us. Today, the struggle continues! ORGANISE • EDUCATE • LIBERATE! Read more 👇🏿 socialjusticecentrewg.org/%f… #MashujaaDay #HumanRightsDefenders #DefendersCoalition #SocialJustice #RevolutionaryArt #DefendDemocracy #OrganiseEducateLiberate

The Rights Defenders Coalition organised the Mashujaa Day Love Festival 2026, bringing together hundreds of young people to honour human rights defenders through music, art and poetry. Pictures by Benard Orwongo

Yesterday our #MashujaaLoveConcert was real full of enthusiasm and excitement from patriotic Kenyans who gather together with one spirit of honoring and celebrating the spirit of our heroes who lost their lives from this barbaric government. We must continue to remember our Genz’s who were killed by Ruto in pursuit for justice Thank you @DefendersKE for organizing such electrifying event, together we remain unbowed to champions for human rights @WillieOeba @genz___baddie @upendomoja @allans_ademba @Anamidaudi @_James041 @Wambuib4sky @Kibet_bull

#MashujaaDay #SanaaNaHaki #MashujaaLove

A little glimpse into the day that was -Mashujaa Love Festival 🔥 #MashujaaDay #MashujaaLove #SanaaNaHaki

What a beautiful way to celebrate our heroes and the courage within us all. Thank you for making this year’s #MashujaaLove Festival unforgettable. ❤️🇰🇪 #SanaaNaHaki #MashujaaLove

TODAY WE SHOW UP FOR Sanaa na Haki! ✊🏾 The artists are ready. The stage is set. Join us at the #MashujaaLove Festival as we honour courage, celebrate creative expression, and recognise the power of ordinary people to make extraordinary change. 📍 Alliance Française, Nairobi ⏰ 12 PM–8 PM 🎟️ Free entry! Usikose! 🇰🇪🔥 #SanaaNaHaki #MashujaaLove #MashujaaDay