KHRC attack by goons as Saba Saba 2025 Women’s Collective press conference against extrajudicial killings, police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and constitutional rights shows how the government fires Kenya political unrest according to Reuters.
A violent attack by armed goons on a women’s meeting at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) headquarters has sparked outrage, as activists gathered to address arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings ahead of the Saba Saba 2025 protests.
The assailants, numbering about 20, stormed the KHRC offices in Nairobi on July 6, disrupting a press conference organised by the Women’s Collective and KHRC.
The conference aimed to condemn police brutality and demand justice for victims of recent protests, with attendees chanting, “Do not kill our sons.”
The incident has intensified calls for accountability amid Kenya’s escalating political unrest.
The attack occurred as activists denounced the reported 16 deaths and over 400 injuries during the June 25, 2025, protests against the Finance Bill 2025, with Amnesty International attributing most casualties to excessive police force.
An AFP journalist at the scene noted, “The gate was locked, but they forced their way in, attacking and robbing people, saying: ‘You are planning protests here.’”
Sources condemned the assault, stating, “This attack on our space is a direct threat to human rights advocacy.”
The Women’s Collective, alongside KHRC, highlighted the growing pattern of abductions and arbitrary arrests targeting youth activists, with 36 abductions reported in the past month.
The press conference called for an end to these violations, citing Kenya’s constitutional protections under Article 37 for peaceful assembly.
The disruption has fueled accusations of state-sponsored intimidation, with people alleging government-linked goons were behind the attack to suppress dissent ahead of Saba Saba, marking 35 years since the 1990 pro-democracy protests.
As Kenya grapples with economic challenges, including a 68% GDP public debt and controversial tax policies, the attack on KHRC highlights the risks faced by human rights defenders.
Activists like Nerima Wako are urging citizens to join peaceful Saba Saba protests to demand justice and reform. The incident has amplified calls for investigations into police brutality and goon violence, with Kenyans determined to protect their democratic rights.
CCTV footage shows the moment armed goons stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices on Sunday afternoon and violently disrupted a press conference by grieving mothers demanding justice for victims of police brutality, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances… pic.twitter.com/BdhTu9npnY
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) July 6, 2025
