Rights Groups Sue Murkomen, Haji and Kanja Over Political Violence

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Katiba Institute, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) and three individuals have filed a petition against Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, NIS Director-General Noordin Haji and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. Filed on October 28, it accuses them of failing to prevent attacks on political meetings, civic forums, religious gatherings and other public events ahead of the 2027 General Election, and of failing to adequately investigate the violence. The petitioners cite the July 6, 2025 attack on KHRC’s Nairobi offices, where journalists and participants were reportedly assaulted or intimidated and equipment stolen, with no arrests or prosecutions. They also point to violence at a June 12 forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi and an August 16 attack in Homa Bay County in which people were killed, vehicles torched and journalists attacked.