NAIROBI, Kenya– Attackers believed to be hired goons on Sunday violently disrupted a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices along Gitanga Road, Nairobi.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:08 p.m, during a press event organized by mothers of victims of police violence.
The women were addressing the media ahead of Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations, calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting protesters.
In a statement, KHRC said the attackers were “sent by the state to silence dissent,” linking the incident to what they termed as escalating intimidation by the government against human rights defenders.
The Commission pointed to the recent abduction and illegal rendition of their staff member, Martin Mavenjina, as part of a broader crackdown.
At exactly 2:08 pm EAT today, hired goons stormed our office—sent by the state to silence dissent. They violently disrupted a press conference by Kenyan mothers calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting protesters ahead
CCTV footage shared by KHRC shows several assailants arriving on motorbikes and forcing their way into the compound.
Two security guards are seen attempting to resist the intruders but are overpowered.
Inside, the attackers interrupted a group of women—many of them mothers of young men killed or injured during recent protests—who were about to deliver a statement appealing for justice. Journalists covering the event were also targeted in the attack.
Eyewitnesses reported that the goons were heard asking for the individual “organising protests,” in apparent reference to the planned Saba Saba nationwide demonstrations.
The Saba Saba Day, commemorated annually on July 7, marks a historic day of resistance and calls for democratic reforms in Kenya. This year’s protests come amid heightened tensions following weeks of demonstrations across the country.
There were no immediate arrests following the attack.
Human rights organizations have condemned the incident and called for swift investigations and accountability.
