The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has condemned the detention and expulsion of Brian Kagoro, a renowned Pan-Africanist, Zimbabwean lawyer, and human rights defender, which occurred on February 22, 2026.
In a statement on February 26, the ICJ noted that security officers reportedly denied Brian entry into Kenya without providing an official explanation or written notice. They described the treatment as inconsistent with Kenya’s longstanding traditions of regional hospitality and constitutional fidelity.
“The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) expresses its grave concern and strongly condemns the recent detention and subsequent expulsion of Mr. Brian Kagoro, a renowned Pan-Africanist, Zimbabwean lawyer, and human rights defender, who also serves as the Africa Director of the Open Society Foundation (OSF),” read part of the statement.
ICJ further highlighted Brian’s track record of advancing good governance, human rights, and the rule of law across Africa and globally, which has made him one of the most recently celebrated Africans.
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The ICJ has ordered the government to provide a full and transparent explanation of Kagoro’s treatment at the boarder noting that his visit is among many he has made to Kenya.
The commission added that the government should allow unrestricted access to all human rights defenders with valid documentation and immediately cease all forms of harassment against civic actors.
“Allow immediate and unrestricted access to all human rights defenders possessing valid documentation into the country, refraining from any form of politically motivated discrimination,” read part of the statement.
According to the ICJ, Kenya should publicly reaffirm its commitment to protecting civic space and ensure that security and immigration powers are exercised in accordance with the rule of law.
ICJ highlighted that the government should guarantee that no actions are taken that could discourage legitimate civic participation.
Kenya Expels Brian Kagoro Over Allegations of Organised Protests
Kenya expelled Brian Kagoro after allegations that he was involved in an externally financed effort to trigger political unrest through organised protests.
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Immigration officials declared Brian Kagoro persona non grata and escorted him out of the country via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport late Sunday after several hours of questioning.
They argued that the decision followed months of investigations linking Brian Kagoro to what they described as an elaborate political mobilisation framework allegedly supported by foreign donors.
However, Kagoro reportedly dismissed the allegations during grilling, stating he had travelled to Kenya to attend a family event and to participate in a conference on critical minerals and artificial intelligence.
While acknowledging ties with Kenyan civil society actors, he denied coordinating or financing protest activity.
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