Asection of human rights defenders from the Coast region has raised concerns over what they describe as an increasing number of harassment, intimidation, and false accusations, aimed at silencing activists advocating for justice and the protection of community and environmental rights.

Speaking in an interview in Ukunda, Kwale County, Inform Action Chief Executive Oicer Winnie Maasai said many human rights defenders have recently faced various forms of victimization while carrying out their work.

“We have seen a lot of cases emerging where human rights defenders are being targeted because of the work they are doing. Many of them are being subjected to intimidation, threats, and false allegations meant to discourage them from speaking out on issues afecting communities,” she said.

Maasai noted that activists play a critical role in promoting accountability, defending vulnerable groups, and safeguarding citizens’ rights. She argued that eforts to suppress them undermine democratic principles and the rule of law.

She expressed concern that some defenders have been subjected to lengthy legal battles, arbitrary arrests, and public smear campaigns, which have afected both their personal lives and their ability to continue servingcommunities. According to Maasai, the trend has created fear among activists, with some scaling down their activities due to security concerns.

“We need an environment where activists can operate freely without fear of reprisals. Defending human rights should not be criminalized, and those who champion justice should be protected rather than persecuted,” she added.Despite the challenges, Maasai said the Haki Yetu Network has rolled out several initiatives aimed at advancing human rights advocacy and promoting environmental justice across the Coast region.

Natural resources

She said the network is working closely with communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to raise awareness of human rights issues and empower residents to actively protect their rights and natural resources.

Maasai added that the organization is strengthening accountability mechanisms to enhance transparency and ensure duty bearers are held responsible for their actions.

According to her, the initiatives are intended to create a more inclusive society where citizens can freely demand justice, challenge rights violations, and contribute to sustainable environmental management without fear of intimidation. Kinango Human Rights Network oicer Kilinga Idi said human rights defenders in the region continue to face numerous challenges while car-rying out advocacy work.

He claimed that at least 12 activists and community members in his area have been adversely afected while championing human rights and environmental justice issues.

According to Idi, some individuals and institutions are allegedly using the courts as a tool of intimidation by iling baseless cases against activists, forcing them into prolonged legal battles that consume time, resources, and energy.

“Many of us have been arrested and taken to court over accusations that are completely diferent from the truth. These cases often take years to conclude, creating fear and frustration among activists,” he said. Idi noted that some activists have been engaged in legal battles since 2020, a situation he said has weakened their ability to efectively participate in human rights and environmental justice advocacy.

He argued that such actions not only afect the targeted individuals but also discourage communities from speaking out against injustices and participating in advocacy initiatives.

Idi said activists should be allowed to perform their duties without fear of harassment, arbitrary arrests, or malicious prosecution. He emphasised that human rights defenders are not enemies of the government or opponents of development, but advocates for lawful, transparent, and inclusive processes that protect community interests.

“Human rights defenders are not against the government or development.

Our concern is to ensure that everything is done appropriately, in line with the law, and with the wellbeing of the community at heart,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kwale County National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Senior Environment Oicer Duncan Okoth acknowledged the important role played by human rights defenders in advancing human rights and environmental justice.

12

The total number of activists and community members in Kinango area that have been adversely affected while championing human rights and environmental justice issues.