Diaspora group raises alarm over alleged rights violations in Kenya

A Kenya-based diaspora lobby has raised concerns over what it describes as growing violations of constitutional rights by state officials, even as the government has yet to publicly respond to the claims.

In a statement dated February 20, the Justice and Equity Council UK (JEC-UK), speaking on behalf of Kenyans living in the United Kingdom, accused senior security officials of undermining constitutional freedoms.

The group led by Sebastian Onyango alleges that attempts to restrict political activity, peaceful protests, and civic expression are unlawful and amount to an erosion of democratic principles.

 JEC-UK argues that several provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, are being violated. These include rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and political participation, as well as broader principles such as the rule of law, accountability, and respect for human rights.

According to the statement, any limitation of rights must meet the legal threshold of being reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society—conditions the group says are not being met.

The organisation also cites legal obligations placed on security agencies, emphasizing that national security organs must operate under civilian authority and in full compliance with the Constitution.

The diaspora body further accuses the National Police Service of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, contrary to the National Police Service Act.

It says the law only permits the use of force when strictly necessary and proportionate, adding that any unlawful use of force could attract both individual and command-level accountability.

They are now calling for an immediate halt to what it terms unconstitutional restrictions on public gatherings, independent investigations into alleged police brutality, disciplinary and criminal action against officers found culpable

By the time of publication, there had been no immediate response from the Interior Ministry or the National Police Service regarding the allegations.

In past instances, government officials have defended police actions as necessary to maintain law and order, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.

The group warns that continued suppression of civic freedoms could attract both local and international scrutiny, stressing that public officers acting outside constitutional limits may be held personally liable.

JEC-UK maintains that peaceful civic engagement is protected under Kenyan law and should not be criminalised.