Terror at KHRC: Armed Goons Storm Offices Ahead of Mothers’ Saba Saba Briefing
Chaos erupted today at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices as armed goons attacked the premises, moments before a planned press briefing by a group of Kenyan mothers.
According to Women’s Collective Kenya, the attackers were targeting mothers who were preparing to speak out against police brutality and extrajudicial killings ahead of the symbolic Saba Saba Day.
“Armed goons have attacked offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), where a press conference was due to be held this afternoon by Kenyan mothers on the eve of Saba Saba,”
— read a statement from Women’s Collective on X.
Press Briefing Disrupted, Journalists Targeted
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers forcibly entered the compound, threatening those present and seizing journalists’ equipment.
“The goons took off with at least two laptops belonging to journalists,”
— a source from Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi
With the press briefing disrupted, most of the participants fled and sought safety in nearby restaurants.
“Everyone was scared. We had to hide in nearby restaurants. We don’t even know if the presser will continue,”
— said one facilitator who asked not to be named.
Mothers’ Plea for Justice Silenced
The mothers had planned to demand an end to the worsening trend of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and police killings of their children during peaceful protests.
These killings have intensified since the recent wave of protests sparked by the now-rejected Finance Bill 2024.
“We are mothers. We are grieving. All we want is justice for our children who were only demanding a better country,”
— a distressed mother shared before the chaos began.
Bloody Trail of Past Protests
Since the June 25 protests against the Finance Bill, at least 60 lives have been lost. Many more youths have vanished without trace. Police have been repeatedly blamed for excessive force.
On June 17, during the protests for teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, another young protester — a mask seller — was shot in the head while unarmed. He succumbed to injuries two weeks later.
“Our children are dying. The government is watching silently. We will not stop speaking,”
— another mother cried out.
Fear Grows Ahead of Saba Saba
As July 7 approaches, fear grips many. But hope still burns among the bereaved families seeking change.
“We will not be silenced. Even if they send goons, we will keep speaking for our children,”
— affirmed a determined mother.
The fate of the press briefing remains uncertain.
ALSO READ: GOVERNMENT ISSUES TOUGH WARNING TO CIVIL SERVANTS AHEAD OF SABA SABA PROTESTS
Terror at KHRC: Armed Goons Storm Offices Ahead of Mothers’ Saba Saba Briefing
