Coast Civil Society Network For Human Rights

COURT UPDATE: PETER KOMORA'S SENTENCING POSTPONED! Today at the Kilifi Law Courts, the sentencing of Peter Komora in Criminal Case No. E214 of 2020 was scheduled to take place before Hon. J.N. Mwaniki, Chief Magistrate. However, the court postponed the sentencing to 16th November 2026, on the ground that the probation report is yet to be submitted. In 2020, Komora, a prominent environmental and land human rights defender from Kilifi County, was arrested in connection with a wildlife-related incident involving two elephant tusks. He was charged under Section 95 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, CAP. 376. He maintains that his involvement arose from collaboration with a community resource person associated with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in efforts to apprehend suspected wildlife offenders. Following years of proceedings, the court found him guilty on 29th October 2026. The Defenders Coalition reiterates that the right to defend human rights is protected under Kenya’s constitutional and international human rights framework. The Constitution guarantees fair-trial protections and access to justice, while recognising the importance of environmental protection and the right of communities to seek legal remedies when their rights are threatened. We thank all human rights defenders and human rights organizations for standing in solidarity with Peter Komora.