The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed allegations made by Human Rights Watch (HRW) Associate Director Otsieno Namwaya that he is being harassed and intimidated by security officials.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 9, the agency addressed the claims, insisting it had no involvement in the matter.
The DCI stated that Namwaya was not under investigation and that no link existed between him and its officers.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken note of allegations of harassment purportedly involving Mr. Otsieno Namwaya, the Associate Director of Human Rights Watch, by members of the DCI's Operational Support Unit (OSU).
"We would like to clarify unequivocally that Mr Otsieno is not a subject of any ongoing investigations by the DCI. It is also crucial to emphasize that the DCI has had no involvement with him or his associates, directly contradicting the false allegations that have been made," the statement read.
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The investigating agency urged Namwaya to report any perceived threats to the authorities for immediate action.
"We advise Mr. Otsieno to promptly report to the nearest police station should he observe any activities that he perceives as a threat to his safety and security, ensuring that immediate police action can be taken," the statement added.
The response comes after Namwaya alleged in an interview with a local publication on Monday, September 8, that he was being harassed because of his human rights work.
According to the report, between August 23 and 25, security officials allegedly conducted surveillance around his home.
Three neighbours reportedly told him that on the evening of August 23, six men believed to be plainclothes officers parked three vehicles at a local police station before walking around his neighbourhood.
Namwaya claimed the alleged harassment was being carried out in a way that avoided formal accountability.
"Yes, the police have been acting very strangely. They don't want to do a formal arrest. They want to come to my house at night like a militia or goons. I believe this allows them to deny being involved in anything that takes place when they come to my house," he said.
Namwaya's claims have drawn international concern with HRW’s Interim Executive Director, Federico Borello, warning that the situation reflected threats to rights defenders in the country.
"The surveillance of a Human Rights Watch staff member is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats and repression facing rights activists in Kenya today. Instead of allowing police units to target activists, Kenyan authorities should be working to improve the space in which civil society operates," he said.
