Matiang'i suspends NGOs purge for 90 days pending review

Acting Interior CS Fred Matiang'i has ordered a 90-day suspension of the purge against AfriCOG and KHRC.

Matiang'i issued the directive on Wednesday following a raid by police and KRA agents at AfriCOG's Lavington premises in Nairobi.

He said a review of the two organisations' compliance status must be undertaken before any action against them.

The raid came after the NGOs Coordination Board wrote to the DCI to shut down the organisation over claims it is operating illegally.

Executive director Fazul Mahamed said the organisation has not been registered and should be shut down. He also said its directors and members should be arrested for contravening the NGO provisions.

More on this: Police, KRA raid AfriCOG offices after Fazul's shutdown threat

In a letter to Fazul on Wednesday, Matiang’i acknowledged the weighty legal, non-compliance and regulatory issues against the organisations.

The CS directed Interior PS Karanja Kibicho to immediately form an inclusive and representative committee to review their compliance with the help of the NGOs board.

"This would include an opportunity for the organisations and any concerned stakeholders to engage with the board and effectively address any outstanding non-compliance issues that may have led to the de-registration of the two organisations."

The order to de-register KHRC was issued on Monday in what some have termed a crackdown on such organisations.

Several individuals and groups have condemned the board saying it is overstepping its mandate. They have also linked the timing of the purge the general election whose results the Opposition has disputed.

HakiAfrica said it is "elated" by Matiang'i's directive.

"Not only is this move the correct move but we believe itwill set the stage for meaningful reforms and directions in the civil society sector," the rights group said in a statement.

"We trust that the momentum will not be lost in ensuring finalisation of all pending matters including the coming into force of the PBO Act."

It noted its support for all civil society organisations and human rights defenders in Kenya in "fighting for civil liberties and ensuring the civil space is not shrank".

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