NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has condemned what she described as escalating intimidation and harassment of civil society organisations, accusing authorities of enabling attacks against human rights defenders and civic groups.
In a statement on Monday, Odhiambo said she stood in solidarity with the The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), its Executive Director Diana Gichengo and other partners under the Okoa Uchumi initiative following reports of intimidation targeting their activities.
Odhiambo alleged that state-sponsored goons had disrupted civic meetings, while human rights defenders had been trailed in unmarked vehicles and non-governmental organisation offices targeted without lawful justification.
She said the actions amounted to an abuse of power and violated constitutional protections for freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of growing concern among civil society organisations following the disruption of a public budget forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi last month.
The meeting, organised by TISA, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and other groups, was invaded by suspected goons, prompting widespread condemnation from rights organisations and religious leaders.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since arrested several suspects linked to the All Saints Cathedral incident, saying investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all those involved in the attack.
Odhiambo also linked the alleged intimidation to reported enforced disappearances and torture of human rights defenders around the June 25 Gen Z protest anniversary commemorations, saying the pattern suggested a sustained campaign against individuals demanding accountability and integrity in public finance.
She maintained that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees the rights to organise, assemble and hold public officials accountable, adding that attempts to intimidate civil society through violence or unlawful surveillance should be resisted.