IMLU has been documenting cases of torture for the last 31 years. We need your help to support survivors and victims' families of the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protestors who were injured, unjustly arrested, or killed. Make a difference. Paybill No: 4124929 Account name: Your Name

Last week, IMLU joined members of the Missing Voices Coalition (MVC) for a meeting with Barbara Lochbihler, Vice-Chair of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, to discuss the growing concern over enforced disappearances in Kenya and across the region. Key discussions highlighted the urgent need for Kenya to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) and enact a standalone law criminalising and addressing enforced disappearances. Further, Kenya must strengthen its legal framework to protect victims, uphold families’ right to truth and justice, and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Panel Discussion on the Ratification of OPCAT: An African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) Side Event #ACHPR89OS Preventing torture and ill-treatment requires strong legal frameworks and independent oversight mechanisms. Today, IMLU and other civil society organizations are coming together at this ACHPR side event to discuss actionable strategies for accelerating the ratification and implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). The panel features key insights from: @wangechikahuria - Executive Director, IMLU Sean Tait - Executive Director, @APCOF Dr. Uju Ogomoh - Executive Director, @prawaorg and IRCT Council member. The discussion will be moderated by Leonard Githae Deputy Executive Director, @Midrifthurinet.

Beyond Borders: Confronting Transnational Repression in East Africa 46% of 50 exiled Human Rights Defenders from 8 Central and East African countries report being targeted in exile. Abductions, enforced disappearances, deportations, and surveillance must stop, it’s time to end cross-border impunity. Join this side event at the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights: 📅 Date: 15 October 2026 ⏰ Time: 18:00 – 19:30 GMT 📍 Venue: Maison Madera, Dakar, Senegal 💻 Format: In-person with the option to join online via Zoom 👉 Register here to attend: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F… #ACHPR89OS

Happening now in Dakar, Senegal. Preventing torture requires more than prohibition. It demands effective safeguards, accountability and action to close gaps in protection. IMLU is participating in a workshop at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on the Resolution on the Prevention of Torture and the Development of a General Comment, hosted by Hon. Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa (CPTA). The workshop brings stakeholders together to review the Gap Analysis Report, provide input to strengthen the report, and agree on next steps towards advancing the prevention of torture across Africa. For IMLU, this process is critical to strengthening regional human rights standards, promoting effective preventive measures, and ensuring that states meet their obligations to protect individuals from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Prevention is a human rights imperative. Accountability must follow where violations occur. #ACHPR89OS

IMLU and the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) Human Rights Committee invite you to a webinar on Sexual Violence and Torture Management. In this session, Fatuma Kuyeya, IMLU's TL Medical Rehabilitation, will address key aspects of managing sexual violence and torture cases, offering practical knowledge for healthcare and human rights practitioners. Date: 15th October 2026 Time: 7:00 PM EAT Register to attend: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…

Happening now! IMLU, in collaboration with @prawaorg , @DefendersKE, REDRESS, and @Article19 West Africa, is currently hosting an important side event on the shrinking civic space in Africa. The panel discussion brings together leading human rights advocates to discuss critical challenges and actionable solutions for protecting fundamental freedoms across the continent. Featuring expert contributions from Dr. Uju Ogomoh (Executive Director, PRAWA and IRCT Council member), Kamau Ngugi (Executive Director, Defenders Coalition), Alejandro Rodriguez (Legal Officer, Redress International), and Maateuw Mbaye (Programme Officer, Article19 West Africa) and moderated by @wangechikahuria Executive Director, IMLU. #ACHPR89OS

When elections turn violent, lives are at risk and fundamental rights are under threat. How can Africa strengthen protection, prevent violations, and ensure accountability? IMLU Executive Director @wangechikahuria will address this critical issue at a side event at the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), during a panel discussion on “Protection and Response to Election Violence in Africa.” Effective responses to election violence must go beyond securing the vote. They require timely documentation of violations, independent investigations, access to medical and psychosocial support for survivors, and accountability for perpetrators. Protecting democracy means protecting people. Every person affected by election-related violence deserves dignity, justice, and effective remedies. #ACHPR89OS

When elections turn violent, lives are at risk and fundamental rights are under threat. How can Africa strengthen protection, prevent violations, and ensure accountability? IMLU Executive Director @wangechikahuria will address this critical issue at a side event at the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), during a panel discussion on “Protection and Response to Election Violence in Africa.” Effective responses to election violence must go beyond securing the vote. They require timely documentation of violations, independent investigations, access to medical and psychosocial support for survivors, and accountability for perpetrators. Protecting democracy means protecting people. Every person affected by election-related violence deserves dignity, justice, and effective remedies. #ACHPR89OS

Technology must serve people, protect rights, and strengthen accountability. This week, IMLU took part in the Summit on People-Centred Technologies in Africa, held in Nairobi, exploring how technology can advance social justice, civic participation, and inclusive development across Africa. The key lesson? Innovation must go hand in hand with human rights, community ownership and accountability. From digital surveillance and misinformation to algorithmic bias and digital exclusion, technology must be developed and governed in ways that protect people, not expose them to further harm. As digital technologies increasingly shape civic space, policing, and access to information, a people-centred approach is essential to ensuring that no one is left behind and that technology advances justice rather than deepens inequality.

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 torture survivors can access timely, independent examinations? Share your thoughts. @KenyaMedics_KMA

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: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi… Let us explore how effective forensic science legislation can strengthen evidence, accountability, and access to justice.

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.

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 @cff_kenya 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.