NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) has strongly condemned the violent disruption of a civic forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, describing the incident as a direct assault on constitutional freedoms and a troubling sign of the growing influence of organised criminal gangs in public life.
In a statement issued on June 16, ICJ Kenya said the attack targeted a public dialogue forum organised by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya), and the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) to discuss the 2026–2027 national budget.
The organisation said the incident violated fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, public participation, and civic engagement.
The lawyers’ body warned that the attack reflected a broader and increasingly worrying pattern in which organised groups have disrupted peaceful gatherings, intimidated human rights defenders, attacked protesters, and destroyed property with apparent impunity.
It argued that such actions undermine democratic governance, weaken public confidence in institutions, and discourage citizens from participating in public affairs.
ICJ Kenya questioned the continued existence of what it described as “goons for hire,” saying repeated explanations by government officials that political actors sponsor such groups were no longer sufficient.
The organisation noted that Kenya’s security agencies, including the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Police Service (NPS), possess the constitutional mandate and resources necessary to identify, investigate, and prosecute those behind such networks.
The commission challenged authorities to provide answers regarding the identity of the individuals involved, those financing and mobilising them, and why their organisers have not been prosecuted despite repeated incidents over several years.
Citing Article 29 of the Constitution, ICJ Kenya said every person has the right to freedom and security, including protection from violence by both public and private actors.
It argued that the State bears a direct constitutional obligation to maintain public order and protect citizens from harm. The continued failure to dismantle violent criminal formations, the organisation said, raises concerns about either institutional incapacity or tolerance within security agencies.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election, ICJ Kenya warned against the normalisation of political violence, intimidation, and impunity, noting that Kenya’s history demonstrates the dangers of allowing criminal groups to operate during periods of political contestation.
The organisation called on the Inspector General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to urgently identify, arrest, and prosecute financiers, coordinators, and perpetrators linked to organised criminal gangs.
It also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate alleged police misconduct, excessive use of force, and possible collusion with criminal groups during recent demonstrations.
Further, ICJ Kenya asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue accountability without political interference, while calling on the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and other oversight bodies to intensify monitoring of protest-related violations ahead of the 2027 polls. Political leaders were also urged to cease financing or protecting violent groups and commit to peaceful democratic engagement.
The organisation further called on the Interior Ministry to accelerate police reforms recommended by the Maraga Taskforce, arguing that public confidence in law enforcement can only be restored through accountability and constitutional policing.
“The Government cannot continue to claim legitimacy while failing to protect its citizens from violence, it is constitutionally obligated to prevent and confront,” ICJ Kenya said, warning that democracy cannot survive where violence becomes an accepted tool of governance or political competition.
