Activists to be honoured amid rising concern of heavy-handed state

Human rights defenders are counting down to the 10th edition of the annual Human Rights Defenders Awards, scheduled for November 28, where impactful activists are recognised.

The awards come amid growing concern over sustained reprisals targeting civil society actors in Kenya, including reports of abductions and harassment, some allegedly involving foreign security agencies.

Defenders Coalition says it is concerned over the continued disappearance of activists Bob Njangi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had been apprehended by suspected Ugandan security agents for their open support of politician Bobi Wine.

Witnesses say the two were forcibly taken by unknown armed people who hurled them into unmarked vehicles near a petrol station in Kireka, Kampala.

Their mobile phones were immediately switched off with their whereabouts remaining unknown.

"This disturbing incident is part of a pattern where HRDs have been targeted, deported, illegally detained, disappeared and/or tortured in the East African region," the Kamau Ngugi-led organisation says.

The award ceremony is organised by the Defenders Coalition, with support from diplomatic missions and human rights organisations and aims to recognise individuals whose work aligns with the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders— often despite facing significant personal risks and opposition.

In 2024, the award was jointly presented to Boniface Mwangi, Hussein Khalid and Hanifa Adan for their involvement in the Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill. 

The award citation highlighted their leadership role in organising and sustaining the protests, which contributed to increased public engagement with the 2024/25 national budget.

The citation also noted their advocacy for those arrested or reported missing during the demonstrations. 

The three were involved in efforts to locate missing persons and secure the release of detained protesters.

The Working Group on Human Rights Defenders in Kenya, which brings together civil society organisations, the United Nations and diplomatic missions, is coordinating the 2025 award process. 

The group works to promote the safety, recognition and support of individuals engaged in the defence of human rights.

The nomination process for this year’s awards began earlier in 2025, when the coalition secretariat issued a public call for submissions. 

Shortlisting— conducted by a panel composed of representatives from partners—is complete. 

Five nominees were shortlisted in each category. 

The categories include the Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award, the Human Rights Defender of the Year Award, the Upcoming Human Rights Defender of the Year Award and the Global Solidarity Award.

All selected individuals met the established criteria, which include demonstrated impact, innovation and consistency in human rights work.

The process is now at the verification stage. 

This involves confirming the authenticity of each nominee’s reported work and evaluating the actual impact of their human rights efforts by the independent selection panel, which then makes the final decision. 

The broader context of this year’s awards includes concerns about a shrinking civic space in Kenya.

According to human rights monitors, human rights defenders and civil society organisations continue to face various forms of pressure.

These include physical threats, arbitrary arrests, legal challenges, negative public rhetoric and administrative barriers. 

Observers say such actions have affected the ability of individuals and organizations to carry out human rights work safely and effectively.

Instant analysis

As preparations for the ceremony continue, organizers have reiterated the importance of publicly acknowledging the efforts of human rights defenders across the country and verifying the integrity of the selection process.