A group of 38 civil society organisations has come out to dismiss claims of their involvement in recent anti-government protests.
The organisations said they are deeply concerned by the recent letter from the government implying that CSOs fund and support unlawful behaviour and unruly protests.
“We unequivocally condemn any unlawful acts during protests. The allegations that CSOs are complicit in promoting illegal activities are false and undermine the invaluable work they do to strengthen our society,” they said.
In a statement, the CSOs said the suggestion that young people, particularly the Gen Zs, are being funded to speak up devalues their genuine contributions to Kenya's development.
They added that in recent months, CSOs have risen to initiate rapid response interventions to meet the pressing and overwhelming needs and concerns of Kenyans affected by the country’s crisis through providing legal aid for those arrested or abducted, medical assistance for those injured, and psychosocial support for individuals and families affected.
The organisations noted that they have continued to amplify advocacy on the human rights and governance concerns presented by Kenyans.
“These actions, which CSOs have championed over a long period, should not be misconstrued as support for the acts of lawlessness and violence meted against Kenyans and which we have consistently called out all through the protests,” they said.
The organisations included Action Aid International Kenya, Africa Centre for Open Governance (AFRICOG), African Forum for Debt and Development (AFRODAD), Amnesty International Kenya, Article 19 Eastern Africa, Badili Africa, Bajeti Hub, Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance, Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), CRAWN Trust 11, Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF), Christian Aid International Kenya and Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders.
The society organisations said they have been tirelessly safeguarding democratic values and principles, amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring the rights of all Kenyans are upheld.
“The contributions have been instrumental in our nation's growth and stability, and their efforts have consistently upheld the principles of justice and democracy,” they said in a statement.
They noted that in the last three months, civil society and the media have engaged robustly in pushing for public finance management accountability, and protection of human rights including protests and an end to extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, abductions, and theft of public resources.
“Kenyans share these concerns and are now pushing for an accountable government at all levels, especially the executive and legislative arms,” the statement reads.