Rights Groups Call for IPOA Probe Into Alleged Intimidation of Civil Society
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Civil society organisations, human rights defenders and grassroots movements have raised concerns over what they describe as an escalating campaign of intimidation, surveillance and harassment targeting The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), its Executive Director Diana Gichengo, and members of the Okoa Uchumi Campaign.
In a joint press statement issued on Monday, July 13, the groups alleged that civic organisations and individuals involved in public finance accountability and human rights advocacy have increasingly faced intimidation, which they claim is linked to state agencies.
The organisations cited several incidents they say demonstrate a pattern of harassment.
Among them was the alleged disruption of a civil society meeting held at All Saints Cathedral on June 12, 2026, where discussions on public finance management were taking place.
Government Officials
According to the statement, individuals who interrupted the meeting later claimed they had been sent by senior government officials.
The groups also alleged that TISA Executive Director Diana Gichengo has been subjected to surveillance since early June, claiming she has been repeatedly followed by vehicles believed to be linked to security agencies.
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They further alleged that on July 2, at least 13 suspected security officers arrived at TISA’s offices in four Subaru vehicles and attempted to gain entry while seeking to identify and take away a lawyer working at the organisation.
The statement also referenced previous incidents involving other civil society organisations, including an attack on a press conference organised by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Inuka Kenya, as well as the deportation of Open Society Foundation official Brian Kagoro.
Enforced Disappearances
Additionally, the organisations cited cases of alleged arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and torture involving several human rights defenders around the June 25 commemoration.
They claimed that while some individuals were later found alive, others remain unaccounted for.
The groups argued that the reported incidents violate constitutional protections relating to human dignity, freedom of expression, freedom of association and the responsibilities of the National Police Service.
Demands
Among their demands, the organisations called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Inspector General of Police to halt what they termed illegal surveillance and harassment of TISA staff.
They also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct independent investigations into the alleged incidents, including the reported office raid and claims of enforced disappearances, torture and attacks on civil society actors.
The coalition further called on Parliament’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security to convene hearings into the allegations and requested the diplomatic community and development partners to monitor developments affecting Kenya’s civic space.
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The press statement released
PHOTO/TISA