Front Line is concerned following information received regarding the armed attack and mugging of human rights defender Mr George Nyongesa, in Nairobi, on 15 January 2009. George Nyongesa is a community organiser who works with Bunge la Mwananchi, a grassroots movement which aims to fight social injustice and promote accountable leadership at all levels in Kenya.

Further Information

On 15 January 2009, at approximately 8.30 p.m., George Nyongesa was attacked in Nairobi by four men, three of whom had guns. He was slapped several times and the guns were used to taunt him. The assailants took his laptop, camera, and other valuables before leaving him within 100 meters of the gate of his house. Whenever he has attempted to submit a statement to the police about the attack, George Nyongesa has been referred to a different police station. He still plans to submit a statement. Last year, on 23 April and 28 September, George Nyongesa was twice robbed of a laptop and a camera at gunpoint in Nairobi. Both previous incidents have been reported to the police.

In light of the three subsequent incidents and the threats reportedly received by other key members of Bunge la Mwananchi, Front Line believes that the armed attack and mugging of George Nyongesa is directly related to his legitimate and peaceful human rights work. Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of George Nyongesa.