The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has strongly condemned the arbitrary deportation of Mr. Martin Mavenjina, a senior legal advisor at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and a registered member of EALS, from Kenya to Uganda. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Mavenjina was expelled on July 5, 2025, upon his return from a regional conference on reparatory justice held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
EALS revealed that despite holding lawful residence status and a valid work permit in Kenya, Mr. Mavenjina was removed without any formal explanation or due process, a move the Society described as a serious violation of both Kenyan constitutional law and regional legal obligations.
“This deportation is a blatant breach of Articles 7 and 13 of the EAC Common Market Protocol, which guarantee the right of East African Community (EAC) citizens to move, reside, and work freely across member states,” the statement read. “No justifiable grounds such as public health, security, or order were cited in Mr. Mavenjina’s case.”
EALS further stated that the deportation contravened Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, both of which affirm the right to free movement and the protection of individuals engaged in lawful human rights work. The move also violates Article 47 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees due process and fair administrative action.
The organization has issued a four-point demand to the Government of Kenya:
- A full public explanation and accountability for all officials involved;
- Immediate restoration of Mr. Mavenjina’s rights, including safe return to Kenya;
- Reaffirmation of Kenya’s commitment to the EAC integration agenda;
- An end to actions by EAC Partner States that undermine regional cooperation or target human rights defenders.
EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar affirmed the organization’s commitment to pursue all lawful avenues to ensure accountability and protect civic space within the East African Community.
The East Africa Law Society, representing over 45,000 legal professionals across national bar associations in the EAC region, holds Observer Status with the EAC and other continental human rights bodies. It continues to play a pivotal role in cross-border legal advocacy and regional integration.
For further information, contact David Sigano, Chief Executive Officer, at ceo@ealawsociety.org or call +254 717 272142.
Written By Rodney Mbua
