By KPC Reporter
Kenya’s democratic space is under growing threat from intimidation, assault and restrictive laws targeting journalists and civil society, the head of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has warned.
Speaking during the 3rd Annual Media–Civil Society Organisations Conference held on 19–20 November 2025, KNCHR CEO Dr Bernard Mogesa described the media and CSOs as “the lifeblood of a functioning democracy,” saying their work is not just complementary to human rights but “the very practice” of those rights.
Dr Mogesa said the Commission is alarmed by documented cases of physical attacks on journalists, censorship and the use of laws—such as the proposed amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Bill—to clamp down on free expression.
“When a journalist is threatened for a story, it is not just their voice that is silenced; it is the public’s right to information that is stolen,” he said.
“And when an activist is arrested for peaceful protest, their right to assembly is crushed.”
He criticised vague laws that criminalise so-called “false information,” saying they create a chilling environment where citizens fear speaking out.
He stressed that Kenya’s Constitution is clear: freedoms of expression, assembly, access to information and participation in public affairs are guaranteed rights, not privileges.
Dr Mogesa underscored the powerful synergy between media and civil society, describing it as an ecosystem of accountability.
The media exposes wrongdoing, he said, and civil society uses that information to demand action. Attempts to disrupt this partnership—through broadcast blackouts, intimidation or arrests—amount to direct attacks on the country’s constitutional order.
He also raised the alarm over the financial fragility of both sectors. Over-reliance on foreign funding, he noted, makes them vulnerable.
He urged the development of domestic funding models and local solidarity networks to ensure long-term sustainability.
“A right cannot be sustained if the institutions that defend it are on the brink of collapse.”
-Dr. Benard Mogesa
On mental health, Dr Mogesa said Kenya has neglected the emotional toll borne by journalists and human rights defenders.
Many, he noted, suffer trauma, burnout and PTSD due to the high-pressure nature of their work.
“This is not a personal weakness,” he said. “It is the direct result of the immense pressure you face for holding power to account.”
He called for formal, well-resourced psychosocial support systems.
Turning to technology and elections, he said the digital space has become a new battleground for human rights. Disinformation threatens the public’s right to accurate information, while online surveillance undermines privacy. He called for increased digital literacy, cyber-resilience and ethical reporting as Kenya prepares for future electoral seasons.
Dr Mogesa reaffirmed KNCHR’s commitment to defending media freedom and civic space.
The Commission, he said, will continue challenging repressive laws, documenting violations and advocating for the protection, sustainability and well-being of media practitioners and human rights defenders.
“This conference is more than a gathering of ideas,” he said.
“It is a covenant. When you thrive—when you speak truth to power without fear—our democracy thrives. Let us continue to be the guardians of our democracy, together.”
The two-day conference brought together journalists, civil society leaders and human rights advocates under the theme “Media and Civil Society as Guardians of Kenya’s Democratic Space.”