Independent Medico Legal Unit IMLU

07/10/2026

What makes forensic evidence credible? Independence. Scientific rigour. Reliable documentation.

Today’s webinar explored Kenya’s forensic science legal framework and highlighted why survivors need timely access to independent forensic examinations.

Strong forensic systems are critical to ensuring evidence stands up in court, strengthening accountability, and protecting human rights.

We also reflected on ongoing reforms to Kenya’s forensic science and coroners frameworks.

What more needs to be done to strengthen Kenya’s forensic systems and ensure survivors can access timely, independent examinations?
Share your thoughts.

TONIGHT | 7 PM EAT
Join IMLU and the KMA Human Rights Committee for a webinar on Forensic Science Legislation as we unpack the laws shaping forensic science, justice, and human rights in Kenya.

IMLU’s Erick Koech and Simon Malenya will lead the discussion, bringing legal and human rights perspectives to the conversation.

🔗Register to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zYSYa4VEQQ6Q87aDR-sMMA #/registration

Let us explore how effective forensic science legislation can strengthen evidence, accountability, and access to justice.

07/10/2026

TONIGHT | 7 PM EAT
Join IMLU and the KMA Human Rights Committee for a webinar on Forensic Science Legislation as we unpack the laws shaping forensic science, justice, and human rights in Kenya.

IMLU’s Erick Koech and Simon Malenya will lead the discussion, bringing legal and human rights perspectives to the conversation.

🔗Register to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zYSYa4VEQQ6Q87aDR-sMMA #/registration

Let us explore how effective forensic science legislation can strengthen evidence, accountability, and access to justice.

03/10/2026

We mourn Catherine Njeri, a pregnant woman who died after being thrown from a moving police vehicle in Mwea, Kirinyaga County. Her death raises serious concerns that must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

IMLU is following up on this case and will continue to monitor developments and share information with the public.

Have you experienced or witnessed torture or other human rights violations? Report to IMLU toll-free on 0800 721 401.

03/10/2026

Media freedom is essential to safeguard the public's right to information and ensure an open information environment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

IMLU joins the Civic Freedoms Forum in raising concern over the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, alongside growing physical, legal, and economic pressures on journalists in Kenya.

Protect journalists. Defend the public’s right to information.

17/09/2026

Two days of conversations, reflection, and collective action in Wote, Makueni County have come to a close.

The 6th Annual Civic Space Protection Summit brought together civil society organisations, human rights defenders, civic actors, state institutions, development partners, youth, community representatives, and other stakeholders to reflect on the state of civic space in Kenya and emerging threats to democratic participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Across the Summit, discussions examined some of the critical issues shaping Kenya’s civic and democratic environment:

-Collective protection for HRDs, journalists and civic actors – strengthening early warning, rapid response, documentation, solidarity and referral mechanisms.

-Public Order Management – examining how policing can facilitate the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while responding lawfully to violence and criminal conduct. IMLU Executive Director Wangechi Kahuria contributed to the discussion by highlighting key POM gaps, including the need for comprehensive regulations, clear use-of-force thresholds, command responsibility, protection of journalists and human-rights monitors, and stronger oversight.

-Digital civic space – addressing surveillance, cyber harassment and disinformation while safeguarding digital rights.

-Public participation and accountability – strengthening citizens’ ability to access information, participate meaningfully in decisions and hold duty bearers accountable.

-Electoral preparedness – recognising that protecting civic and democratic rights requires preparation across the entire electoral cycle, not only on Election Day.

The Summit culminated in the Makueni Declaration, which calls for government and state agencies to uphold fundamental freedoms, stronger independent oversight, collective protection mechanisms for civic actors, protection of digital civic freedoms, and meaningful participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

The conversations may have concluded, but the commitments made in Makueni mark an important point of action.

Protecting civic space. Strengthening institutions. Amplifying citizens. Shaping democracy.

17/09/2026

Day 2 of continues, with IMLU Executive Director Wangechi Kahuria joining the panel for Deep Dive 5: Collective Protection for HRDs, Journalists and Civic Actors ahead of the 2027 Elections.

The conversation is examining how human rights defenders, journalists and civic actors can strengthen collective protection mechanisms, anticipate emerging risks and build safer operating environments as Kenya approaches the 2027 elections.

This discussion provides an opportunity to:
-Identify protection gaps and emerging threats facing civic actors.
-Strengthen coordination and collective response mechanisms.
-Explore practical approaches to digital, physical and legal protection.
-Build stronger networks for rapid response and solidarity.
-Promote an enabling civic space where citizens and civic actors can participate safely and meaningfully.

Collective protection is essential to sustaining civic participation, safeguarding rights and strengthening democratic institutions.

Follow the discussions here: https://youtube.com/live/V8eR8hrhv5E

16/09/2026

Civic space is lived.
Civic space is collective.
Civic space is worth protecting.

Day One of the 6th Annual Civic Space Protection Summit closes in Makueni after a day of powerful conversations, reflection, movement-building, art, wellness, and collective learning.

Participants reflected on the changing civic space landscape, the role of civic actors ahead of the 2027 elections, digital rights, corporate accountability, citizen action and collective approaches to protecting civic freedoms.

Beyond the dialogue, the Summit created space for connection, healing, exhibitions and artivism, reinforcing its vision of civic engagement as a living experience of resistance, truth-telling, solidarity and democratic imagination.

The voices are unbowed.
The movement continues.

16/09/2026

JOINT STATEMENT:
IMLU joins civil society organisations, human rights defenders, professional associations and business leaders in calling on the Government of Kenya to uphold the High Court order facilitating Brian Kagoro’s entry into Kenya.

Disregard for court orders destroys the predictable, rules-based environment on which rights, contracts, investment, employment and public trust depend.

We call for the immediate enforcement of the High Court order and a public account of the circumstances surrounding Kagoro’s removal from the aircraft and obstruction of his travel to Nairobi.

16/09/2026

Day One of is underway in Makueni.

Voices are rising. Stories are being shared. Ideas are being challenged. Communities are shaping the conversations that matter.

Under the theme “Voices Unbowed: Celebrating Civic Space in an Era of Democratic Uncertainty,” the 6th Annual Civic Space Protection Summit brings together human rights defenders, journalists, artists, grassroots organisers, lawyers, students and citizens.
From dialogue to strategy, from truth-telling to solidarity, civic space is being reclaimed, celebrated and shaped collectively.

Follow live: https://www.youtube.com/live/Vw-au4rIvq0

The Annual Civic Space Protection Summit 2026|| Makueni County

10/09/2026

POLICE REFORMS Working Group condemns crackdown on foreign traders following President Ruto’s orders, citing reports of harassment, profiling and extortion; calls for immediate halt to non-statutory enforcement.