PUBLICAI Index: AFR 32/07/00

UA 270/00Fear for safety7 September 2000

KENYAInternational Federation of Women’s Lawyers - Kenya Branch

The Kenyan branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) which had been helping an alleged rape victim bring charges against a Minister of State in the Office of the President, has faced an attempted break-in by police. They have also received anonymous death threats. These followed the killing of a priest who was a witness in this case and Amnesty International fears that the lawyers may also be in grave danger.

One of the people instrumental in bringing this case to public attention, Father John Kaiser, a Catholic priest and an outspoken advocate for human rights in Kenya, was murdered on 24 August. Amnesty International believes that his killing may have been politically motivated and has sought assurances that the investigation into his death is thorough, independent and impartial. Since Father Kaiser’s death the girl allegedly raped by the Minister of State has dropped the charges against him.

The day after Father Kaiser was murdered, five armed police officers tried to force their way into the FIDA office in Nairobi, but were kept out by the security guards at the gates.

Over the last two weeks three FIDA staff have received anonymous calls from someone who threatens to kill them because of their work.

This attempt at forced entry is part of a pattern of arrests, harassment and intimidation of human rights organizations by the Kenyan authorities. Amnesty International has repeatedly raised these concerns with the authorities.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/airmail letters in English or your own language:

- condemning the attempt by police to force their way into the FIDA offices on 25 August, and their attempt to intimidate FIDA staff;

- urging the authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and prompt investigation into this police misconduct, and the telephone death threats received by FIDA staff, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice;

- seeking assurances that human rights activists in Kenya will be protected from violence, threats and intimidation.

APPEALS TO:

Philemon Abong’o

Commissioner of Police

Police HQ

PO Box 30083

Nairobi

Kenya

Telegrams: Police Commissioner Abong’o, Nairobi, Kenya

Faxes: + 254 2 330 495

Salutation:Dear Commissioner

President Daniel arap Moi

Office of the President

PO Box 30501

Nairobi, Kenya

Telegrams:President Moi, Nairobi, Kenya

Telex:22003 FOREIGN ROB

22796 FOREIGN RB

Faxes: + 254 2 337 340 (if no tone, please try later)

Salutation:Your Excellency

Mr Amos Wako

Attorney General

PO Box 40112

Nairobi

Kenya

Telegrams: Attorney General Wako, Nairobi, Kenya

Faxes:+ 254 2 315 105

Salutation: Dear Attorney General

COPIES TO:

International Federation of Women Lawyers - Kenya branch (FIDA)

PO Box 46324

Nairobi, Kenya

Faxes: + 254 2 716840

Email: fida-kenya@africaonline.co.ke

and to diplomatic representatives of Kenya accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 19 October 2000.