KNHRC Holds Kahariri and Haji Accountable for Their Warnings to Anti-Ruto Groups

The Human Rights Body accused the government of engaging in McCarthyism and political intimidation, insisting that the “Ruto Must Go” chants fall within Kenyans’ constitutional rights.

The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) has criticized Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri and National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji for warning protesters rooting for President William Ruto’s removal.

The commission asserted that state security agencies have no authority to suppress public expression, emphasizing that Article 1 of the Constitution affirms that all sovereign power belongs to the people.

It further alleged that the executive, military, and intelligence service—not the protesters—have acted outside the law.

KNHRC argued that these actions violate democratic principles and constitutional provisions on human rights, freedoms, and the rule of law.

“Neither Kahariri nor Haji has the moral authority to lecture Kenyans on upholding the Constitution—they have trampled upon it,” the commission stated.

Reaffirming Kenyans’ right to peaceful assembly and free expression, KNHRC emphasized that the government, military, and intelligence service must remain subordinate to the will of the people.

The commission vowed to defend Kenyans’ right to self-determination and resistance against repression, stating that political defiance is deeply rooted in the nation’s history.