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Houghton Irungu

Lessons from protests seeking release of Besigye

The behaviour of Kenyan police this week sharply contrasted from a long season of violent protest policing and must be commended.

By Irungu Houghton 2025-03-01 08:00:00

Lessons from protests seeking release of Besigye

Fill the gaps left by USAID freeze to combat healthcare challenges

By Irungu Houghton 2025-02-22 08:00:00

Let's create dignified spaces for all to express love to those they love

In a significant departure from previous years, men from diverse backgrounds chose to mark Valentine's Day by declaring “Safisha Rada”.

By Irungu Houghton 2025-02-15 07:20:00

Public pressure led to release of 4 abductees, now let police account

Their release must be celebrated. It diverted the public relations disaster and increased conflicts among the political class and between the government and the public over the abductions.

By Irungu Houghton 2025-01-10 19:55:56

Public pressure led to release of 4 abductees, now let police account

Abductions could spark fear and more violence if left unchecked

According to the KNCHR, one person has been abducted nearly every week for the last three months.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-12-27 17:39:00

Abductions could spark fear and more violence if left unchecked

Kenya sliding into repression as leaders plot to silence the critics

This week, Kenya was downgraded from the “obstructed” to “repressed” category in the influential CIVICUS State of Civil Society report.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-12-07 20:40:00

Kenya sliding into repression as leaders plot to silence the critics

Besigye abduction in Kenya raises critical questions on public safety

Ten weeks ago, 36 of Besigye’s party members were abducted from a Kisumu workshop, transported across the border and charged with terrorism.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-11-23 10:21:46

Besigye abduction in Kenya raises critical questions on public safety

Missing protesters and abductions are thorny issues crying for answers

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has verified 61 police killings, 73 abductions and missing persons and 1,765 arbitrary arrests of protesters.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-11-09 09:36:23

Missing protesters and abductions are thorny issues crying for answers

Kenyans must not give up their agitation for better governance

The last four months remind us that organised generations always rise to remind those in power that they rule with our consent.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-11-02 00:00:00

Kenyans must not give up their agitation for better governance

What Kenya must do after joining credible UN Human Rights Council

Kenya can meet the remaining 11 out of 16 obligations documented as outstanding by the International Service for Human Rights and Amnesty International.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-10-19 07:14:25

What Kenya must do after joining credible UN Human Rights Council

Kenya's future pegged on courage of everyone holding State power

Recent events have left me reflecting on the growing danger for state officers in important constitutional offices and our democracy.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-10-05 07:05:00

Kenya's future pegged on courage of everyone holding State power

We must resist attempts to clip powers of data protection body

Parliament must resist new attempts to undermine the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner’s independence.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-09-28 09:56:58

We must resist attempts to clip powers of data protection body

Kenya still needs commissions to check an overbearing presidency

Even where they have fallen short of keeping the Executive operating within the rule of law, constitutional commissions remain critical to Kenya’s governance architecture.

By Irungu Houghton 2024-08-31 00:00:00