CHIEF MAINA KIAI APPOINTED CHAIRPERSON OF KHRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Kenya Human Rights Commission has appointed veteran human rights defender Maina Kiai as the new chairperson of its board of directors.

He assumes the leadership of the human rights sector at a time when the soul of the nation and region is under relentless assault from severe governance abuses manifested in gross violations of fundamental freedoms and rampant grand corruption.

Kiai wears the title of ‘Chief,’ after his installation as paramount chief of the Mende community for his human rights work in Sierra Leone. He has served as UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association and was the inaugural chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. 

Most recently, Kiai worked as Human Rights Watch’s director of alliances and partnerships, returning to an organisation he had previously served as Africa Director. He was the founding executive director of KHRC. Following his appointment, Kiai said: “Kenya is under attack by a regime that fears its people. But we will not blink. I am committed to guiding KHRC to resist, expose, and push back against any force, be it the William Ruto regime, or its enablers, that tramples rights, freedoms, and the Constitution.”

Kiai takes over from Davinder Lamba, a battle-hardened human rights general whose steady leadership anchored KHRC through turbulent times. KHRC salutes Lamba’s dedication and strategic guidance. He will be deputised by Betty Okero, who continues in the role after serving alongside Lamba. We look forward to a renewed and fearless chapter in defending human rights and freedoms.