Renowned human rights defender Maina Kiai has been appointed as the new chairperson of the board of directors at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
The announcement was made on Thursday, August 7, 2025, through a press release by the Commission, which described his return as timely and crucial.
“The Kenya Human Rights Commission is thrilled to announce the appointment of veteran human rights defender Maina Kiai as the new chairperson of its board of directors,” the statement read.
The Commission underscored that Kiai’s leadership began during a period of intensified attacks on civil society, rising authoritarianism, and widespread abuse of public power.
“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 manifest in gross violations of fundamental freedoms and rampant grand corruption.”
In his remarks following the appointment, Kiai took a stance against the current administration for what he termed repression of rights and democratic space.
“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,” he said.
Betty Okero, who served as vice chair under outgoing chair Davinder Lamba, will retain her position and now serve as Kiai’s deputy.
In its statement, KHRC expressed confidence that the new leadership will usher in a more courageous and values-driven era for the human rights movement in Kenya.
“We look forward to a renewed and fearless chapter in defending human rights and freedoms,” the statement added.
Maina Kiai is a prominent Kenyan lawyer and global human rights advocate with an extensive track record in defending civil liberties and challenging authoritarian power. A law graduate from the University of Nairobi with a master’s degree from Harvard University, Kiai has long been a key figure in both national and international human rights circles.
He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the United Nations Foundation Award and the Freedom House Freedom Award, in recognition of his fearless advocacy and leadership.
Kiai is no stranger to KHRC. He was its founding executive director and has held influential positions over the years, including serving as the first chair of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
Before rejoining KHRC, Kiai worked as the director of alliances and partnerships at Human Rights Watch, having previously served there as Africa Director. His efforts also extended to Sierra Leone, where the Mende community honoured him with the ceremonial title of ‘Chief’ in appreciation of his contributions to human rights work.
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