They protect the rights we often take for granted—the right to speak freely, to organise peacefully, to be treated fairly regardless of who we are or where we live.
In Kenya, these defenders are found in every corner of the country, from busy cities to remote villages, standing up for the voiceless.
Yet their work remains dangerous. Many are threatened, followed, arrested and even attacked.
Some have lost their lives. When human rights defenders are targeted, it is not just an attack on individuals—it is an attack on justice, equality and the constitution itself.
That is why the initiative by Defenders Coalition to create a dedicated safe space, reported elsewhere in this newspaper, is both timely and vital. The planned centre will offer legal aid, trauma support, training and a haven for those under threat. It is a bold step toward building a more resilient human rights movement in Kenya.
A society that fails to protect its defenders risks sliding into fear and repression. Human rights are not foreign ideas. They are the basic freedoms that allow people to live with dignity—access to education, clean water, land, healthcare and the right to challenge unfairness without fear.
Kenya cannot afford to ignore the growing threats facing those who champion justice. These individuals do not ask for praise. They ask only to do their work safely and without fear.
We urge the government, civil society and every citizen to stand with them. Because when human rights defenders are protected, all our rights are protected.
Quote of the Day: "A government for the people must depend for its success on the intelligence, the morality, the justice, and the interest of the people themselves."
