MAINA KIAI APPOINTED KHRC CHAIR, WARNS RUTO AGAINST RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has announced the appointment of veteran human rights defender Maina Kiai as the new chairperson of its Board of Directors.
Kiai, a prominent advocate for civil liberties and democratic governance, takes over from outgoing chair Davinder Lamba. The KHRC praised Kiai’s decades-long track record in promoting human rights, both locally and internationally, noting that his leadership comes at a time when civic space in Kenya faces mounting threats.
In a bold statement during his unveiling, Kiai issued a stern warning to President William Ruto, accusing his administration of attempting to silence dissent and erode constitutional freedoms.
“Kenya is under attack by a regime that fears its people,” Kiai said. “We will resist, expose, and defeat any force—no matter how powerful—that seeks to undermine our Constitution, rights, and freedoms.”
He pledged to steer KHRC in defending civic freedoms, supporting peaceful protest, and amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
The appointment comes amid growing concerns over police crackdowns on demonstrators, shrinking media freedom, and the intimidation of civil society actors in recent months.
Kiai previously served as the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. His return to KHRC is expected to bolster the organization’s watchdog role in a politically charged environment.