Ubuntu Village

13/04/2026

12/04/2026

On Day 2, we rolled up our sleeves for focused group discussions on “The Future of Activism: Building Social Movements that Endure.”

Using SWOT analysis, we celebrated what is working, honestly identified what needs improvement, and committed to bold actions to strengthen our campaigns, committees, county cells, and centres.

Ubuntu Village is rising. The foundation is laid, the conversations have sparked, and the future is firmly in our hands. “I am because we are” — we move forward together. Our Space. Our Power. Our Future.

Social Justice Centers Working Group Social Justice Centers Working Group Western chapter HAKI Africa The National Gender and Equality Commission-Kenya Ubuntu Village

12/04/2026

We followed with the sharp and timely second panel “Eyes on the Ballot, Safety in Mind: The Activist’s Dilemma Monitoring the Forthcoming Elections.”

HRDs dissected critical issues including the ongoing voter registration drive, the urgent need for electoral accountability, effective monitoring mechanisms, access to justice for electoral violations, and the persistent challenge of voter apathy, all while navigating the real risks activists face in these spaces.

Social Justice Centers Working Group Social Justice Centers Working Group Western chapter HAKI Africa The National Gender and Equality Commission-Kenya

12/04/2026

The conversations went deep and urgent. In the panel “Safety Beyond Rescue: Rethinking HRDs Security, Economy and Wellbeing,” the panelists confronted the harsh realities facing human rights defenders and explored holistic ways to protect not just lives, but livelihoods and emotional wellbeing because a secure movement is a sustainable one.

Social Justice Centers Working Group Social Justice Centers Working Group Western chapter HAKI Africa

12/04/2026

An after-lunch tought-provoking short skit by Arts for Social Change Western Chapter also reminded everyone that art is not decoration but a soul and weapon of our movement.

12/04/2026

The energy stayed high with vibrant live performances: the electrifying "Daima Kenya" dance by the Adolescents Dance Crew from Manyatta B Social Justice Centre.

12/04/2026

The National Gender and Equality Commission-Kenya team also brought their voice and commitment, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, gender-responsive approaches in all our struggles for justice and human rights.

12/04/2026

On the groundbreaking ceremony, we received powerful solidarity and commitment from our valued partners.
HAKI Africa delivered an inspiring briefing, reaffirming their strong support and dedication to strengthening Social Justice Centres across the region, standing shoulder to shoulder with us as we build people-powered systems of change.

12/04/2026

During the lively media briefing, we passionately shared the vision of Ubuntu Village as a beacon of people-powered change in Western Kenya. We highlighted how this permanent space will end the era of borrowed rooms and temporary gatherings, providing a solid foundation for organizing, political education, healing, and cultural resistance. Comrades emphasized that Ubuntu Village is not just a building, it is a declaration that the power to shape our destiny belongs to the people.

In the same spirit of truth-telling, we strongly condemned the rising wave of political goonism that continues to threaten democratic space. We denounced the brutal attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu, an act of cowardice and political intolerance that has no place in our society. Such violence must end. Leaders must compete on ideas, not through hired goons and intimidation.

We also called out the disturbing trend of leaders already campaigning years before the elections, diverting energy from delivering on their mandates to early political schemes. Our people deserve service, not endless politicking. True leadership is measured by roads built, lives improved, and justice delivered, not by premature rallies and empty promises.

We also raised alarm over voter registration, urging transparency and accountability from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC). The confusion surrounding the process could disenfranchise many, particularly young people, and called for increased civic awareness and participation.

Furthermore, we firmly rejected the proposed nuclear power plant in Siaya, raising serious concerns over its potential risks to our environment, Lake Victoria ecosystem, fisheries, agriculture, and the wellbeing of local communities. Development must never come at the expense of our people’s health, land, and future generations. We demand genuine community consultation, transparency, and sustainable alternatives that truly serve the people.

HAKI Africa

12/04/2026

At the launch of Ubuntu Village in Kisumu, HAKI Africa Executive Director and Senior Advocate Yusuf Aboubakar warned of a dangerous rise in political goonism and premature campaigns across the country. He noted that increasing incidents of organised violence, coupled with early politicking, are steadily eroding public trust and threatening the integrity of Kenya’s democratic processes.

Civil society leaders expressed concern that institutions mandated to uphold law and order are being undermined, allowing impunity to take root. They criticised leaders for abandoning their service mandates in favour of early 2027 campaigns, despite clear legal timelines governing electoral processes. The situation, they warned, risks escalating tensions and creating conditions for election-related violence if not urgently addressed.

The organisations also raised alarm over voter registration, urging transparency and accountability from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC). They cautioned that confusion surrounding the process could disenfranchise many, particularly young people, and called for increased civic awareness and participation ahead of the next general election.

12/04/2026

In the same spirit of truth-telling, we strongly condemned the rising wave of political goonism that continues to threaten democratic space. We denounced the brutal attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu — an act of cowardice and political intolerance that has no place in our society. Such violence must end. Leaders must compete on ideas, not through hired goons and intimidation.

12/04/2026

In building Ubuntu Village, we had meaningful tree planting ceremony. As we turned the soil and planted young trees, we were not just planting for shade, we were planting the seeds of lasting change, hope, and a greener, freer tomorrow for generations yet to come.

Social Justice Centers Working Group Social Justice Centers Working Group Western chapter HAKI Africa The National Gender and Equality Commission-Kenya