Eric Joe Odongo

ICJ Kenya, led by our Executive Director Eric Mukoya, joined Katiba Institute, the Media Council of Kenya, the Commission on Administrative Justice, together with other civil society organizations and state agencies, to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025. This year’s theme: “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age”, underscores the importance of access to information in advancing environmental justice, accountability, and sustainable development. At ICJ Kenya, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, the right to information, and the rule of law as essential pillars for a just and democratic society.

ICJ Kenya’s Programme Manager, Julie Wayua Matheka, contributed to the discussions by presenting on “Building Public Confidence in Electoral Dispute Resolution”, highlighting Kenya’s experience where legitimacy is built through fairness, transparency, and responsiveness in process. The convening underscored one clear lesson: Africa can chart its own future in electoral justice. By combining judicial independence, robust institutions, civic trust, and home-grown expertise, the continent can harness technology to strengthen democracy while safeguarding fairness and inclusion. At ICJ Kenya, we remain committed to this mission ensuring that electoral justice in Africa is not only done, but is seen to be done.

ICJ Kenya was honoured to support and participate in the Africa Electoral Justice Network convening held in Livingstone, Zambia. The gathering brought together over 100 judges and judicial officers from across the continent to reflect on a timely theme: Charting the Future of Electoral Justice in the Age of AI and ICTs. The dialogue explored how technology is reshaping election management and the adjudication of disputes, examining both its promises efficiency, transparency, speed and its challenges, such as bias, cybersecurity, and access to justice for marginalized groups. Kenya’s judiciary was represented by Justice Isaac Lenaola (Supreme Court), Court of Appeal President Daniel Musinga, and Hon. Elizabeth Tanui (Head of Automation Services, Judiciary of Kenya). @OpenSociety

The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) is deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Moses Chinhengo, Chairperson of the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum. Justice Chinhengo was a humble yet towering jurist whose legacy of defending judicial independence and advancing progressive jurisprudence spanned across several jurisdictions.

It further delved into the the vital role of paralegals in promoting AJS, the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in the AJS practice. It emphasized on the need for documentation of disputes resolved by AJS in order to build onto the AJS jurisprudence. In addition, the workshop also provided a platform for the paralegals to cross learn and share their experiences.

ICJ Kenya through the support of CS MOTT foundation convened paralegals from Meru for two-day sensitization workshop on Alternative Justice Systems (AJS). The workshop, led by Programme Manager, Vincent Kimathi and Programme Officer, Damaris Kemunto, covered a comprehensive overview of the AJS policy, its conceptual and legal frameworks, and best practices from AJS models in Kajiado and Nakuru.

In his submissions, ICJ Kenya Deputy Executive Director, Demas Kiprono emphasized that any restrictions on fundamental rights must be clear, pursue a legitimate aim, and remain necessary and proportionate in a democratic society. He added that this intervention reflects the organizations’ commitment to safeguarding free expression and democratic principles in the digital age. @BakeKenya @article19eafric @lsk_nbi @katibainstitute @Kenyajudiciary @kipdemas @CJaikah

Representatives from The Bloggers Association of Kenya, Article 19 Eastern Africa, Law Society of Kenya and ICJ Kenya appeared before Court of Appeal Judges Justice Patrick Kiage, Weldon Korir and Aggrey Muchelule to highlight submissions challenging the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018. They argued that the law is unconstitutional, undermines freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom, and infringes on privacy rights. The contested provisions, particularly Sections 22, 23, and 27, were criticized as ambiguous, overly broad, disproportionate, and as effectively reintroducing criminal defamation, which the courts struck down in 2017 for violating constitutional and international standards.

Our Executive Director, Eric Mukoya and Programme Manager Julie Wayua Matheka, joined @IPOA_KE at the launch of its Strategic Plan 2025–2030. The plan charts a bold path to strengthen police accountability, rebuild public trust, and anchor policing in human rights and the rule of law. We stand ready to work with partners towards a police service that is transparent, accountable, and rights-respecting.

The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and the Judiciary of Kenya on the passing of Hon. Justice Fredrick Ochieng Andago, Judge of the Court of Appeal.

ICJ Kenya expresses profound grief and concern following the brutal gunning down of Advocate Kyalo Mbobu. We mourn the loss of a distinguished lawyer who will be remembered for his integrity, dedication, and service to the rule of law. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We further call upon the investigating agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous crime. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

📰 In this special feature on the Standard Newspaper, our Executive Director, Eric Mukoya, reflects on the state of human rights in Kenya, warning against the shrinking civic space and the threats to freedoms of expression. He underscores the urgent need for collective action to safeguard our constitutional freedoms and ensure that democracy and justice remain protected. standardmedia.co.ke/business/natio…

Our Executive Director, Eric Mukoya, and Charles Jaika, Lead of our Digital Rights and Inclusive Transformation portfolio, met with Luã Cruz from Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor (IDEC), Brazil’s leading consumer protection organization for a strategic meeting on advancing digital rights. The discussions centered on consumer rights, telecommunications, DPI, data protection, health rights, and landmark litigation including the WorldCoin, Internet Shutdowns, and Cybercrime cases. Both teams shared lessons from Brazil and Kenya, exploring opportunities for joint advocacy and global collaboration. @technolua

In presenting our memorandum, ICJ Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding judicial independence as a cornerstone of constitutional democracy.

ICJ Kenya, led by our Executive Director, Mr. Eric Mukoya, presented our memorandum before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) during a stakeholder engagement forum held in line with the constitutional requirement for public participation in judicial appointments. The forum, convened following the JSC’s advertisement of judges’ positions on 9th June 2025, provided space for stakeholders to share views on the recruitment process and propose ways to strengthen transparency and accountability in judicial appointments.

Media attacks on .@LawSocietyofKe's public duty for presidential appointment is unjust.

On 25th August 2025, via a gazette notice, the President appointed a panel for compensation of victims of the protests witnessed in the country. Defenders Coalition a member of the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) joins in calling for the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR), to manage the compensation of victims of atrocities, abuse and violations, as a Chapter 15 independent Commission. The PRWG demands a just process which meets international laws and UN guiding principles on the rights to remedy and reparations. Read the press statement here: defenderscoalition.org/press/prwg-pre…

ICJ Kenya convened a capacity building with journalists from across the country on the abolition of the death penalty. Our Programme Manager, Vincent Kimathi, was at the forefront of this work, engaging journalists in insightful sessions on Kenya’s history with the death penalty, the laws that prescribe it, and key rulings such as the Supreme Court decision declaring the mandatory nature of the death penalty unconstitutional.

ICJ Kenya, under the leadership of our Executive Director, Eric Mukoya, was honored to host ForumCiv, led by their Regional Director, Jackson Obare. The meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to engage in meaningful dialogue on shared priorities and explore potential areas of collaboration. Discussions focused on strengthening democratic governance, advancing human rights, and building inclusive partnerships that amplify the voices of citizens. We look forward to deepening this relationship and working together towards a just, democratic, and rights-respecting society.