On behalf of Kenya’s civil society and human rights defenders’ community, the Defenders Coalition is deeply concerned by the persistent, coordinated attacks against HRDs, civil society organizations, and their staff by armed, unidentified groups with the most recent incident meted on a meeting by @thekhrc, @TISAKenya and @TIKenya. Given the current precarious state of human rights in Kenya, we urge all citizens, the government, and international partners to demand the protection of human rights and frontline defenders especially in the lead up to the 2027 general elections. @UN @OHCHRKENYA @achpr_cadhp @AndreaBV_SR_HRD @UN_HRC READ FULL STATEMENT HERE defenderscoalition.org/press…

Great conversation on upholding the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in #Kenya and globally.

Journalist Larry Madowo has been named Human Rights Defender of the Year, an award that comes with a cash prize of $1,000 (about Sh129,000). the-star.co.ke/news/2026-05-…

Grateful to share space with my tribe, the human rights defenders on the frontline fighting for justice, dignity, and human rights in Kenya. Meaningful conversations and powerful interactions at the launch of the Defenders Coalition 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.

'We laud the Defenders Coalition’s commitment to accentuate its visibility, leveraging strategic communication, partnerships, and digital engagement to shape narratives and expand its influence. In an era where information and perceptions are critical, misinformation and disinformation are rife, stemming from deliberate interference by the State and its allies, this remains central to protecting and legitimising the work of HRDs.' - George Morara @hakimorara -Vice Chairperson,Board of Trustees Defenders Coalition @SaferToDefend

RT @DefendersKE: Yesterday was a powerful reminder of how planting a seed of faith builds strong institutions. Here is a reflection by our…

'As a Board, we are particularly encouraged by the Strategic Plan’s emphasis on long term sustainability and innovation. The advancement of initiatives such as HAKI Village signal a forward-looking approach to ensure that the Defenders Coalition remains a strong, independent, and sustainable home for HRDs in the future.' - @Hassan_shire ,Executive Director ,Defend Defenders and Board Member at Defenders Coalition.

'Justice Isn't Just a Word, It's a Just Word ' - @WillieOeba #SaferToDefend

'The Board of Trustees will continue to provide strategic oversight and support the Defenders Coalition Secretariat by its values, the Defenders Coalition will continue to be a bastion for the protection and safety of HRDs.' - @JaneMeriwas Executive Director @SamburuWtrust Samburu Women Trust and Board Member at Defenders coalition #SaferToDefend

We are cognizant of the fact that this Strategic Plan (2026-2030), as formulated, will be implemented at a time of profound complexity. Civic space in Kenya is ‘repressed’ and may narrow towards ‘closed’ status as we head to the 2027 general elections and beyond.' Kamau Ngugi-Executive Director Defenders Coalition @EUinKenya @denmarkinkenya @FundHumanRights @achpr_cadhp @WMutunga @DefendDefenders @AfricaDefenders @MottFoundation @SwedeninKE @UhaiWetu @article19eafric @UNOCHA @crdefenders @nisisikenya @Pawa254

Congratulations Commissioner ⁦@SolomonADersso⁩ for being recognized as the #GlobalSolidarityAwardWinner at the 10th #HRDAwards organized by ⁦@DefendersKE⁩ and ⁦@Eukenya⁩. You gave a very powerful and inspiring speech Sir 🙏🏿

Defenders Coalition paid a courtesy call to the Kenya National Commision on Human Rights @HakiKNCHR to discuss and explore key areas of collaboration, aimed at the protection and promotion of human rights, and the safety of human rights defenders in Kenya. #StrategicPartnerships

At the #HRDAcademy2025 we are fresh from a powerful discussion on safeguarding civil liberties, the lessons learned by HRDs are undeniable. Peaceful protest is not just a constitutional right but also a mandate that the state must protect. When the voices of the people are silenced, protest becomes the necessary volume required for authorities to listen. #HRDAcademyAt10 @VincentTannui @happyolal @Shamir_Activist @peopletheatre1 @NjeriwaGakuo @ZindukaMashinan @RuthngariW @PhylliceL93820 @Damarisaswa @lutfiaAli1 @JohnMaiguaj04 @Kaleli_Makueni @KenyaFIA @WuodApondi

The unparalleled sense of national solidarity witnessed in the last two years must be consolidated. I give unreserved credit to the @DefendersKE, @LawSocietyofKe all HRDs & citizens who rose to the occasion to show solidarity with our youth – and importantly offered protection.

Day 1 of the #HRDAcademy2025 has come to a close! Human Rights Defenders spent the day engaging in bold, inspiring conversations and connecting with fellow HRDs from across Kenya.We look forward to even more enriching sessions in the days ahead. #HRDAcademyAt10

THE #HRDAcademy2025 IS ON! 147 human rights defenders from all 47 counties in Kenya are gathered in Nairobi for the 10th edition of the #HRDAcademy2025. They will undergo a weeklong workshops on topical human rights issues that impact their work. Follow us through #HRDAcademy2025 to be part of this milestone. #HRDAcademyAt10

#HRDAcademy ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Today, we highlight the story of Everlyn ,a woman human rights defender from West Pokot. She is the founder of Center for Indigenous Child Rights that advances child protection, gender equality, and sustainable community development. Read more about her human rights work and how the HRD Academy has facilitated her journey here👉 defenderscoalition.org/uncat…

At the Human Rights Defenders Academy today, I paid tribute to HRDS @DefendersKE for the incredible work they do. To quote Nobel Prize Winner, Prof. Wangari Maathai, “It is the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.” I challenge you today to find that “little thing” that you will do to change Kenya, to change our region. The power lies with us. Let us seize this moment. Let is reset, restore rebuild Kenya and East Africa.

Speaking at the #HRDAcademy, Hon. Chief Justice (Emeritus) David Kenani Maraga delivered a powerful message: “Across East Africa, citizens and not leaders are now driving the demand for change. The East African Community Treaty envisioned leadership grounded in values and service. Today, it is the people who are leading, and this movement cannot be stopped.”