16 August, 2017
Hon. Fred Matiangi,
Ag. Cabinet Secretary,
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Kenya
Africans Rising, a Pan-African Movement of people and organizations, working for justice, peace and dignity, and guided by the Kilimanjaro Declaration, strongly condemns the decision by the NGO Coordination Bureau to arbitrarily de-register the Kenya Human Rights Commission and African Centre for Governance.
The action by the NGO Coordination Bureau violates the constitution of Kenya and various AU and UN HUMAN rights covenants and standards. Given the current political climate, the reasons given for the de-registration of these two institutions are clearly a thinly veiled attempt to disrupt the work that they are involved in.
The two organizations are known both nationally and internationally for their commitment to democratic and transparent governance and the rule of law. The KHRC is Kenya’s oldest NGO having been registered in 1991. AFRICOG has been an active player on the fight against corruption. To deny them to operate legally is to deny them the right of association and the opportunity to openly contribute to the fight against corruption and impunity.
We strongly urge your office to override this decision by the NGO Coordination Bureau and restore the registration of the two organizations as soon as possible. The aftermath of the elections has been stormy and this new development does not inspire national and international confidence in the newly elected National Government of President Elect Uhuru Kenyatta.
Acting to restore the registration of the Kenya Human Rights Commission and African Centre for Governance as soon as possible is a step forward to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law.
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Respectfully,
Kumi Naidoo
Chairperson, Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity
