Kennedy Abwao is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. With 18 years experience covering the Horn of Africa region for international publications including the New York Times, DPA and PANAPRESS. He specialises on politics, economy and finance.

Unity Cabinet Formed in Kenya, Ending Deadlock

14 Apr 2008  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Government Formation

President Mwai Kibaki announced a new national unity cabinet in Kenya, ending weeks of deadlock that threatened further violence. The cabinet, the largest in Kenya's history, includes key ministries retained by Kibaki's allies and significant posts for the opposition. The formation followed pressure from foreign governments and local unrest. Critics argue the expanded cabinet is inefficient and wasteful, especially given the country's economic challenges and the aftermath of election-related violence. Skepticism remains about the cabinet's effectiveness and longevity.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Kenyan Government United States Government

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Ronald Agak is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenya: The pain of the bereaved, calls for fresh protests

30 Jun 2024  |  www.africanews.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

In Kenya, emotions are high following protests against proposed tax hikes, resulting in 26 deaths and numerous injuries. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported abductions and arbitrary arrests. Businesses suffered losses due to looting and arson. President William Ruto is engaging with various groups to find solutions, setting up a committee to address youth concerns. Despite these efforts, calls for further protests persist, with a significant security presence in Nairobi. Peaceful protests and vigils have been held to honor those killed.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights State House

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Victoria Amunga is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenya Court Sentences 3 Policemen, Informant in Murder of Human Rights Lawyer, Others

03 Feb 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Crime

A Kenyan court has sentenced former police officer Fredrick Leliman to death for the 2016 murders of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda, and their taxi driver Joseph Muiruri. Two other former police officers, Stephen Cheburet and Sylvia Wanjohi, received long prison sentences, while informant Peter Ngugi was sentenced to 20 years in jail. The case highlighted the issue of extrajudicial killings by police in Kenya, with President William Ruto calling for an end to such practices.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Kenyan Police Kenya's Supreme Court

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Felix Asoha is a journalist who currently working as a news reporter/anchor at Radio Africa Group. He is involved in news production and writes stories for the Star newspaper.

Kenya is making strides in recognising intersex persons – Wamalwa

03 Nov 2022  |  www.the-star.co.ke  |  English  |  Social Issues

Kenya has appointed Dr. Dennis Wamalwa, an intersex university lecturer from Bungoma, as a commissioner in the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, marking a significant step in the recognition and protection of intersex persons' rights. The country has been a pioneer in acknowledging intersex individuals, as seen in the 2019 Population Census and the enactment of the Children’s Act 2022. Despite the stigma, which leads to underreporting, Kenya's intersex population is estimated to be between 235,000 to 779,000. The judiciary has also supported intersex rights through landmark cases. KNCHR continues to advocate for this community, and Wamalwa encourages intersex persons to embrace their identity.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

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IMENDE BENJAMIN is an all-round reporter based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Many George Floyds choked, beaten, tortured, dying in Kenya

10 Jun 2020  |  www.the-star.co.ke  |  English  |  Human Rights

Demonstrators in Nairobi protested outside the US Embassy against the killing of George Floyd and highlighted the rampant police brutality in Kenya. Victims like Jacob Odhiambo have been beaten and left for dead, while others have been killed or disappeared. The Police Reform Working Group has profiled 95 such cases since January. Human rights activists claim the actual figures are higher due to fear and lack of knowledge among victims. The Interior Ministry has been accused of protecting rogue officers, although CS Fred Matiang'i has stated that brutality will not be tolerated. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is investigating numerous complaints of police misconduct, including deaths and assaults.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights US Embassy Police Reform Working Group Amnesty International Transparency International Independent Medico-Legal Unit Interior Ministry NTV Embu Level 5 Hospital Independent Policing Oversight Authority Kiamaiko Social Justice Centre

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Galgalo Bocha is a journalist based in Mombasa, Kenya.

10 shortlisted for DPP position

28 Feb 2018  |  Nation  |  English  |  Government Appointments

Supreme Court deputy registrar Daniel ole Keiwua is among 10 candidates shortlisted for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) position, which became vacant after Keriako Tobiko's appointment as Environment Cabinet Secretary. Other notable candidates include former IEBC commissioner Thomas Letangule, lawyer Lucy Kambuni, and NIS senior director Noordin Haji. The selection panel, comprising members from various government and legal bodies, will interview the candidates and submit three names to the President, who will then forward one nominee to the national Assembly for vetting and appointment.

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Law Society of Kenya Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Public Service Commission National Intelligence Service Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Supreme Court Office of the President Attorney-General’s office Public Service ministry Central Organisation of Trade Unions Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission national Assembly

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An independent multimedia journalist and analyst based between Nairobi, Kenya, and London. I cover security and development issues across Africa, as well as business and economics, and travel and culture. 

I have filed in a variety of formats for outlets including the Guardian, BBC, the New York ...

Land holds key to Kenyan rivalries

04 Mar 2013  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Elections

Land disputes are central to Kenyan politics, with historical injustices dating back to colonial times. The Nubians' struggle for land title deeds in Kibera exemplifies the broader issue of land misallocation and dispossession affecting various communities across Kenya. Politicians have exploited land disputes for electoral gains, exacerbating ethnic tensions. Despite the National Accord and constitutional reforms aimed at equitable land access, skepticism remains regarding the commitment of Kenya's leaders to address past injustices. The Kenyatta family's significant land ownership, including presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta's, has drawn particular scrutiny. The establishment of a National Land Commission and ongoing land policy reforms signal progress, but enforcement and implementation remain key challenges.

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National Land Commission Ndungu Land Commission Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Kenya’s National Cohesion and Integration Commission Columbia University Land Development and Governance Institute (LGDI) Jubilee Coalition

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Sema Fonkem is a multimedia journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. 
Fonkem has been practicing uninterrupted since 2022. His professional career kicked off as a freelance multimedia consultant, Public Relations Officer, Researcher and Writer. Fonkem communicates in both French and English ...

President William Ruto bows to Kenyan Gen Z and withdraws 2024 finance Bill

03 Oct 2023  |  Orgella Entertainment - Informative. Empowering. Entertaining  |  English  |  Taxation

Kenyan President William Ruto has withdrawn the controversial 2024 finance bill following significant protests led by Gen Z. The bill, intended to address Kenya's debt, faced strong opposition, resulting in public outrage and violent protests in Nairobi. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 22 deaths due to the protests. Ruto, who won the 2022 elections, is criticized for his handling of the situation and perceived betrayal of his campaign promises. Citizens demand greater government accountability and social services, vowing to continue their fight for positive change.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Kenyan Government

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Andrew Kasuku is a photojournalist based in Mombasa, Kenya.

Kenya Protests

30 Dec 2024  |  Mid Florida Newspapers  |  English  |  Human Rights

In Kenya, opposition politician Okiya Omtatah and several protesters were arrested during demonstrations against alleged abductions of government critics. Protesters in Nairobi accused the police of being behind the kidnappings, a claim denied by the authorities. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights expressed concern over the increasing number of such cases, reporting 82 incidents since June's anti-government protests.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

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ROBERT KIBET is an award winning freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. His has appeared at DW, The Guardian UK, IPS, Equal Times, Thomson Reuters Foundation, News Deeply, Barzawire, Zenger News, IDN, Ubuntu Times, Climate Tracker and The New Humanitarian.

Kenya's Unanswered Questions About Enforced Disappearances

02 Sept 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Kenyan Government

Kenya faces a persistent crisis of enforced disappearances, with the government criticized for its lack of action and accountability. Despite international laws addressing this issue, Kenya has not ratified the relevant convention, leaving a legal void. Human rights organizations report numerous cases of extrajudicial killings and disappearances, often linked to security forces. The article highlights systemic failures, including inadequate forensic capabilities and a culture of impunity. Calls for justice and reform grow louder as the international community commemorates victims of enforced disappearances.

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Amnesty International Kenya Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Kenyan Government Independent Medico-Legal Unit Independent Policing Oversight Authority International Justice Mission

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Dominic Kirui is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He has been published at Thomson Reuters, News Deeply, Equal Times, The Epoch Times, WAF Magazine, Civic Ideas, ITWeb Africa, and African Arguments.

Contacts:

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Kenya’s Ogiek people fight on against eviction from Mau Forest

24 Nov 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Indigenous Rights

The Ogiek people of Kenya continue to face evictions from the Mau Forest despite landmark court rulings in their favor. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have reported serious abuses by the Kenyan government and the Kenya Forest Service. The Ogiek community, historically hunter-gatherers, have been displaced multiple times, with their homes destroyed and lives disrupted. International bodies like the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have ruled in favor of the Ogiek, calling for restitution and an end to the evictions. However, the Kenyan government has yet to comply fully, leading to ongoing international pressure and advocacy for the Ogiek's rights.

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African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Human Rights Watch Kenya Forest Service Kenyan Government Amnesty International Ogiek People’s Development Program Minority Rights Group Africa

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Reuben Kyama is a seasoned broadcast and print journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.
During his career spanning over 15 years, he has covered developments in Africa for leading media both locally and internationally, including The New York Times, Germany’s Deutsche Welle and the Voice of America (VoA)...

Peacemaker Killed in Kenya

30 Jan 2008  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Kenya Crisis

Melitus Mugabe Were, a moderate opposition politician and member of Kenya's Parliament, was shot to death outside his home, sparking riots and escalating violence in Nairobi. The killing, which appears to be a planned murder rather than a robbery, has heightened fears of disaster as Kenya faces ethnically driven clashes and a paralyzed economy following a disputed election. Over 800 people have been killed since the December 27 election, and the United Nations has criticized the government for failing to protect civilians. Formal negotiations between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga have begun, with former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan mediating, but no progress has been made.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights United Nations

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Anthony Langat is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.He specializes in reporting on human rights issues, governance, security and climate change

Violent evictions are latest ordeal for Kenya’s Ogiek seeking land rights

01 Dec 2023  |  Mongabay Environmental News  |  English  |  Evictions

The Ogiek community in Kenya's Mau Forest complex faces violent evictions by the government, which accuses them of forest destruction. Despite a 2017 African Court ruling recognizing their land rights, the government has not implemented the judgment. The Ogiek, supported by various organizations, continue to fight for their ancestral land, highlighting the ongoing struggle between indigenous rights and state policies.

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National Land Commission National Commission on Human Rights Kenya Wildlife Service Kenya Forest Service African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Kenyan Government Ogiek Council of Elders International Lawyers Project Ogiek People’s Development Program

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Martin Mwaura is a journalist based in Mombasa, Kenya.

Woman’s plea to Ruto over abducted husband

23 Aug 2024  |  Nation  |  English  |  Kenyan Politics

Ms. Salwah Mohammed has appealed to President Ruto for assistance in locating her husband, Jamil Longton Hashim, a human rights activist abducted in Kajiado. The abduction, believed to involve police officers, also included his brother and another individual. Despite President Ruto's previous commitments to address enforced disappearances, Ms. Mohammed criticizes the lack of action and highlights the trauma faced by affected families. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports numerous cases of missing persons linked to anti-government protests, with some found alive but unwilling to discuss their experiences.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

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Mary Mwendwa is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the co founder of Association of Freelance Journalists Kenya( AFJ) . She currently edits an online publication owned by AFJ _ www.talkafrica.co.ke.
Her stories have been published by various outlets including, Aljazeera, newsdeeply, the ...

Kenyan journalists denounce police brutality during protests against the government

22 Aug 2024  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Freedom of Press

Kenyan journalists have reported increased police brutality during protests against the government, with numerous incidents of aggression and intimidation documented. The protests, initially sparked by tax hikes, have seen significant violence against media personnel, raising concerns about press freedom in Kenya. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned these actions, while local journalists recount personal experiences of violence and intimidation. The situation has led to calls for accountability and protection of journalists' rights in the country.

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Kenya Media Council Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Reporters Without Borders Committee to Protect Journalists

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Jackson Okata is an independent journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. His works have been published both locally and internationally.

He writes about climate and environment,human rights ,gender and women, development journalism,agriculture,politics and development

Kenya: Rejected By Banks, Kenyan LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs Turn to Loan Sharks

17 Oct 2023  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Economic Inclusion

Kenyan LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs face significant challenges in accessing bank credit due to discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Many are forced to turn to high-interest loan sharks, trapping them in cycles of debt. Despite existing laws allowing gender changes on official documents, discrimination remains widespread. Advocacy groups call for policy changes to prohibit discrimination and improve financial access for LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the economic benefits of inclusion. Government programs like the Uwezo Fund offer some support, but more comprehensive measures are needed to address the systemic issues.

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Kenya Bankers Association Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Rainbow Women of Kenya Open for Business Uwezo Fund HIVOS

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Shadrack omuka is a journalist based in Nakuru, Kenya.His work has appeared in many publications including Equal times,News deeply, Earth Island Journal and many more. Omuka posses Higher National  Diploma(HND) in print Journalism.

Kenyan police target journalists covering anti-government protests

24 Jul 2024  |  newint.org  |  English  |  Anti-Government Protests

Kenyan journalist Catherine Wanjeri was shot by police while covering anti-government protests in Nakuru, sparking outrage and protests among journalists demanding justice and press freedom. The incident highlights a pattern of police violence against journalists in Kenya, with the Media Council of Kenya and other organizations condemning the actions. The protests, initially against a proposed tax hike, have evolved into nationwide demonstrations for government accountability. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is investigating the case, while press freedom in Kenya continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by its fall in the Reporters Without Borders global index.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Media Council of Kenya Kenyan Police Committee to Protect Journalists Nakuru Journalists’ Association Independent Policing Oversight Authority Reporters Without Borders

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Brian Otieno is a freelance photojournalist and documentary photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya. He was raised in Kibera, where he documents the everyday realities of ordinary life through his photo project called KiberaStories, which he started in 2013. His passion and commitment lie in capturing ...

Did Police in Kenya Catch a Serial Killer or Coerce a Confession?

20 Jul 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Gender-Based Violence

A suspected serial killer, Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, accused of murdering 42 women and disposing of their bodies in a dump. The arrest followed the discovery of body parts in an abandoned quarry, prompted by the desperate search of Peris Keya for her missing sister, Josephine Owino. The case has raised significant concerns about police competence and brutality, with accusations of torture to extract confessions and a history of impunity. The situation has intensified scrutiny of the Kenyan police, already under fire for their handling of recent protests against tax hikes by President William Ruto, which resulted in numerous deaths.

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Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Kenyan Police

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ENOS TECHE is a freelance Photojournalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with over 10 years experience in covering soft and hard news.
He commands strong understanding of both Print and Digital media with his work being published both on local newsroom such as Nation  Media,Standard Group and Star ...

Courts should handle Adani JKIA takeover cautiously – Mbadi

24 Sept 2024  |  The Star  |  English  |  Kenya investment

Treasury CS John Mbadi urges caution in handling court petitions against Adani Group's proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Kenya's investor attractiveness. Several petitions, including those from the Kenya Human Rights Commission, challenge the legality of the deal, citing a lack of public participation. The Public Investments Committee has halted further negotiations pending a forensic audit. Mbadi assures that the welfare of airport employees is protected under the concession agreement, and clarifies that the deal is not a solution to Kenya's debt crisis. Local banks are included in the deal to strengthen financial institutions.

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Kenya Aviation Workers Union Kenya Human Rights Commission Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy National Assembly Kenya Airports Authority Public Debt and Privatisation Committee

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