The Senate of Kenya voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday following a two-day hearing before a full Senate, in which he was convicted on five of 11 charges. As a result of the convictions, Gachagua will be removed from office and barred from holding public office for life. Gachagua is expected to [...]
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Human rights organizations oppose Ethiopia election to UN Human Rights Council
Several international human rights organizations opposed the election of Ethiopia to the UN Human Rights Council through an open letter released on Tuesday. These organizations include CIVICUS, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, the Organization of Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa, and Victim Advocates International, among others. Elections to the [...]
Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, faced an impeachment hearing Wednesday morning after the country’s National Assembly passed a motion for his removal. The motion for proposed removal was made Tuesday, alleging that Gachagua violated multiple articles of the Kenyan Constitution, the Penal Code, and several Acts. It also listed multiple accusations [...]
Kenya lawmakers launched a motion in parliament on Tuesday to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of gross violation of the constitution, stirring ethnic hatred, and undermining the government. The motion, introduced by Enoch Wambua, who represents Kitui West, cites 11 grounds for impeachment under Articles 150(1)(b) and (2) and 145 of the Kenyan constitution. [...]
Kenya Human Rights Commission condemns government's disregard for constitution and civil society
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on Thursday expressed deep concern over the government’s disregard for the constitution, independent oversight organizations, and civil society. In a press statement issued during the Fourth Civic Space Protection Summit, KHRC condemned what it described as a culture of impunity within the state and urged Gilbert Masengeli, the immediate-former [...]
For the past few weeks, Nigeria has been rocked by protests over a cost-of-living crisis. The organised protests built off the momentum of anti-corruption protests in Uganda and demonstrations in Kenya against increased tax on essential goods. Like its predecessors, the protests in Nigeria have been characterised by violence, destruction of property, and allegations of [...]
Tanzania internet providers block X access amid political unrest
Major Tanzanian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have restricted access to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) amidst escalating political tensions according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks on Friday. This shutdown takes place as authorities issue warnings about potential opposition party actions aimed at freeing political prisoners from police custody. The affected ISPs include [...]
Kenya Supreme Court stays judgement declaring 2023 Finance Act unconstitutional
The Supreme Court of Kenya delivered a judgement on Tuesday issuing an order staying a Court of Appeal which rendered the country’s controversial Finance Act 2023 unconstitutional in its entirety. The seven-judge bench posited that the order was necessary due to public interest, among other reasons. The Supreme Court while delivering this judgement, analyzed whether [...]
Kenya Human Rights Commission files petition to revoke appointment of cabinet secretaries
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and public activist Wanjiru Gikonyo filed a petition in the High Court of Kenya on Thursday to challenge the recent appointments of cabinet secretaries in the country. The petition seeks to nullify the appointments of all 19 cabinet secretaries sworn in by President William Ruto just a day earlier. [...]
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group published a statement on Wednesday urging the National Police Service to respect and uphold human rights ahead of demonstrations in the country planned for Thursday. The joint statement underscores the police’s constitutional commitment to preserve the right to peaceful assembly while also protecting [...]