During the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa actively engaged with continental oversight mechanisms to raise the alarm regarding the state of freedom of expression, media freedom, and the right to peaceful assembly across the region. Our interventions focused on one critical front: a rigorous review of Kenya’s compliance under its 14th Periodic Report.
During the examination of Kenya’s 14th Periodic Report under Article 62 of the African Charter, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa acknowledged structural and legislative milestones but underscored persistent, alarming gaps between international commitments and domestic enforcement.
We highlighted the continuous and deeply concerning trend of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and the unlawful use of lethal force to suppress public protests and assemblies. ARTICLE 19 urged the Commission to hold Kenya accountable to its obligations under the Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa.
While Kenya has made strides in digital infrastructure, our review brought to light targeted digital surveillance, threats of internet throttling during politically sensitive times, and the systemic misuse of cybercrime laws to intimidate journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders.
The review emphasised an increasing culture of impunity regarding physical assaults and judicial harassment directed at members of the press covering civic unrest or investigative stories.
ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa reiterates that a robust democracy cannot exist without the total protection of freedom of expression and the press. We formally call upon the African Commission to issue strong concluding observations requesting:
Kenya should urgently establish independent accountability mechanisms investigating police misconduct during protests, and to fully align its computer misuse statutes with international human rights standards.
ARTICLE 19 is an international human rights organisation that works around the world to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression and freedom of information. Its name is derived from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa monitors civic space and advocates for media freedom, digital rights, and the safety of journalists across the region.
Read the shadow report on Kenya
Read the 14th Kenya Universal Periodic Review
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ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa Deputy Regional Director [email protected]