Kenya has mounted a robust defence of its human rights record following reports that it ignored United Nations inquiries over alleged human rights violations, risking sanctions.
In two separate documents, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs denied allegations of abductions and enforced disappearances linked to anti-government protests, instead saying the government continues to cooperate with UN mechanisms and uphold its constitutional and international obligations.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry dismissed claims that the government ignored UN queries on human rights abuses, describing them as “inaccurate and misleading.”
The statement was responding to a report by the Daily Nation that Kenya had failed to respond to communications from UN Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups on arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and freedom of expression.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry in a detailed letter confirmed that Kenya had received joint communications from UN Special Procedures Mandate Holders dated October 1, 2024 and August 5, 2025, which were acknowledged by Kenya’s Permanent Mission in Geneva.
Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders, had on October 22 wennt public with regrets that she wrote to the government of #Kenya about the arrest, detention, deportation and prosecution of human rights defenders as part of a wider crackdown on peaceful protests in June 2025 and had not received a response.
The communication remained confidential for 60 days before being made public, to allow the government time to reply, which it didn’t within this timeframe.
The letters raised concerns about allegations of abductions, enforced disappearances, and police misconduct in the management of anti-government protests.
Inn particular, the Rapporteur raised concern over the arrest and detention of human rights defenders Mark Amiani, Mulingwa Nzau and Francis Mutunge Mwangi.
“We are particularly concerned about the apparent lack of due process employed in the arrests and the fact that the human rights defenders were held in pre-trial detention for three days before their trial and a further two days before they were released on bail. We are also seriously concerned about the arrest and detention of human rights defender Mr. Boniface Mwangi, and his judicial prosecution on alleged trumped-up charges,” the letter said.
Other concerns included deportation of human rights defender Martin Mavenjina, who held a valid legal status to work and reside in Kenya with his partner and two children, the violent disruption of apress conference hosted by KHRC and civil society partners at their offices, as well as the directive to media outlets to stop broadcasting live at anti-government protests on June 25.
The ministry “unequivocally” refuted ssertions that the communications were disregarded, instead saying there was “active cooperation” with UN human rights mechanisms.
It noted that Kenya maintains a standing invitation to all Special Mandate Holders and has been engaging with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances to facilitate a country visit.
The statement further pointed to Kenya’s June 2025 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report, where the government condemned extra-judicial killings and outlined steps to strengthen accountability in law enforcement. They cite the reforms drawn from the Maraga Taskforce on Police Welfare and Professionalism.
It added that the government had enhanced police training on crowd management and de-escalation protocols to align with human rights standards.
The Foreign Ministry also cited recent collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), including an April 2024 workshop in Nairobi on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Kenya, it said, reaffirmed its commitment to criminalizing enforced disappearances and implementing recommendations from the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions.
“The judiciary’s independence, as well as due process and accountability in all cases, continues to be upheld to maintain justice in conformity with the Constitution and international law,” the statement added.
In the detailed diplomatic letter dated October 27 and addressed to several UN Special Rapporteurs, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s cooperation and outlined detailed responses to the concerns raised.
Mudavadi confirmed that the cases mentioned in the UN letter are currently under investigation or active adjudication by independent constitutional bodies.
“To preserve the independence of these institutions and avoid prejudicing ongoing judicial and quasi-judicial processes, the Government is constrained from providing detailed commentary on specific cases,” he wrote.
He cited the cases of activists Amiani, Nzau, and Mutunge, who were charged with incitement to violence and malicious damage to property, and Mwangi, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition.
All, he said, were released on bail and are undergoing due process.
The government also clarified the deportation of Martin Mavenjina, citing national security grounds under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011.
“All actions were taken in accordance with due process. The individuals were promptly produced before courts within 24 hours as required by Article 49 of the Constitution,” the letter stated.
Mudavadi also addressed concerns over police conduct during protests, noting that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority was investigating 16 deaths from the June 25, 2025 demonstrations, as well as theincident involving KHRC.
The letter also cited the 14-member Panel of Experts to explore compensation for victims of demonstrations and police excesses — although its constitutionality is being contested in court.
Mudavadi concluded by reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to democracy, rule of law, and engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, while regretting earlier delays in responding to previous communications.
