A chaotic scene unfolded on Sunday evening, July 6, when a group of armed individuals stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices in Nairobi, disrupting a scheduled press conference organized by Kenyan mothers ahead of the Saba Saba protests. The attack, which occurred at KHRC’s offices on Gitanga Road, left several people shaken, property stolen, and has sparked nationwide concern over the safety of civil society spaces in Kenya.
As journalists and activists gathered to discuss the impending Saba Saba Day demonstrations, the group of unidentified goons forced their way in, shouting that the meeting was intended to plan anti-government protests and therefore should not continue. Eyewitnesses said the group appeared to be “on assignment,” with clear instructions to stop the gathering.
Chaos Erupts at KHRC as Meeting is Disrupted
According to multiple accounts, the armed group aggressively interrupted the meeting, triggering panic among those present, including members of the press, civil society leaders, and grieving mothers who had lost children in previous protest-related incidents.
“They barged in and began yelling that this meeting had to stop. It all happened very fast — people were running, shouting, trying to grab their belongings,” said one attendee who asked to remain anonymous.
Several journalists and participants were robbed in the commotion, with personal items including phones and bags stolen. The goons also looted electronic equipment from the KHRC offices before fleeing the scene.
The attack adds another layer of tension to an already fraught national atmosphere, as Kenyans prepare to mark Saba Saba Day on July 7, a date historically remembered for the 1990 protests that demanded multiparty democracy.
Police Called In as KHRC Condemns Attack
The KHRC later confirmed the attack in a public statement, condemning the intrusion as an act of intimidation meant to silence dissent ahead of the Saba Saba commemorations.
“This was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the democratic space. The mothers had gathered peacefully to express their grief and seek justice. We condemn this barbaric attack in the strongest terms possible,” the statement read.
Police have been notified, and initial reports indicate that investigations have been launched. However, no arrests had been made as of Monday morning.
Civil society leaders have called on the Interior Ministry and National Police Service to guarantee the safety of civic actors and journalists, especially during politically sensitive periods.
Deportation of KHRC Official Sparks Outrage
In a related development, the KHRC also protested the deportation of one of its senior officials, Martin Mavenjina, who was forced out of the country shortly after returning from a work trip to South Africa on Saturday night.
According to the KHRC, Mavenjina — a Senior Programme and Legal Advisor on Transitional Justice — arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around 10 p.m. on July 6. But within hours, he was forcibly deported to Uganda, despite holding valid legal documentation permitting him to work and reside in Kenya.
“His deportation is not only unlawful but part of a larger scheme to silence human rights defenders,” KHRC declared in its statement.
KHRC emphasized that Mavenjina holds a valid work permit, and there was no legal justification for his removal. The Commission believes the deportation was politically motivated and linked to his involvement in transitional justice programs — many of which have critiqued the state’s handling of police violence and extra-judicial killings.
Targeted Crackdown on Civil Society?
Since the June 25 anti-government protests, KHRC and other civil rights organizations have repeatedly warned of a coordinated crackdown on dissenting voices, including activists, bloggers, and journalists. The events of Sunday night seem to confirm those fears.
“Since June 25, the regime has been deliberately targeting human rights defenders,” KHRC said. “Mavenjina’s deportation is part of their broader strategy to suppress dissent.”
There was no immediate response from the Ministry of Interior or Immigration Department regarding Mavenjina’s deportation. Efforts by media outlets to seek clarification have gone unanswered, adding to the opacity of the situation.
The Commission has vowed to pursue legal and diplomatic channels to ensure Mavenjina’s safe return, noting that his role is critical to the country’s ongoing reconciliation and transitional justice efforts.
Saba Saba Day Marred by Fear and Suppression
Saba Saba Day, commemorated every July 7, holds deep historical significance in Kenya’s fight for democratic rights. Originally sparked by public demands for multiparty democracy in the 1990s, the day has evolved into a powerful symbol of civic resistance, often accompanied by protests calling for government accountability.
This year’s Saba Saba protests in Kenya 2025 are expected to center around youth unemployment, rising taxes, and extrajudicial killings — issues that have galvanized activists and the general public alike. However, the state’s approach, which appears increasingly hostile toward civil society actors, has cast a shadow over planned events.
Numerous organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, Katiba Institute, and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), have issued joint statements calling for restraint by both protestors and law enforcement agencies.
“We urge the government to respect the rights to freedom of assembly and expression as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution,” read a statement by the Civil Society Reference Group (CSRG).
A Call for Government Accountability
Sunday’s events have led to widespread calls for accountability. Political analysts say the attack on KHRC offices and Mavenjina’s deportation represent a dangerous precedent, suggesting a possible return to authoritarian tendencies that marred Kenya’s past.
Human rights lawyer Martha Karua condemned the events on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Storming civil society spaces and deporting vocal advocates is a clear sign of fear. The state must not criminalize civic engagement.”
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) also raised alarm over reports that journalists were robbed and harassed during the attack, warning that press freedom is under threat.
Conclusion: A Test for Democracy and Civil Liberties in Kenya
The goon attack on Kenya Human Rights Commission offices and the deportation of Martin Mavenjina serve as stark reminders of the challenges faced by civil society organizations in Kenya. As the country prepares to commemorate Saba Saba Day, the government’s actions will be closely watched — not just by Kenyans, but by the international community.
For many, the events of July 6 raise a crucial question: Can Kenya uphold its constitutional commitment to human rights and free expression amid growing political pressure?
The answer may define the country’s democratic trajectory in the months to come.