KHRC appoints veteran rights defender Maina Kiai as new chair
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has appointed veteran human rights defender Chief Maina Kiai as the new Chairperson of it’s Board of Directors.
KHRC announced in a statement to the public on Thursday, August 7 2025, while also highlighting the roles Chief Maina Kiai will be assuming as he officially takes over the role.
You might also like
“The Kenya Human Rights Commission is thrilled to announce the appointment of veteran human rights defender Maina Kiai as the new chairperson of its board of directors,” KHRC said.
According to KHRC, Maina will be assuming the leadership of the human rights sector at a critical time in the human rights sector in Kenya.
“He assumes the leadership of the human rights sector at a time when the soul of the nation and region is under relentless assault from severe governance abuses manifest in gross violations of fundamental freedoms and rampant grand corruption,” KHRC said.
Likewise, according to KHRC, Kiai wears the title of ‘Chief’ after his installation as paramount chief of the Mende community for his human rights work in Sierra Leone.
KHRC has further revealed that Maina is a distinguished and bold icon in the fight for justice, bringing decades of frontline experience and political leadership in defending civil liberties in Kenya and globally.
Who is Chief Maina Kiai
Notably, according to reports by KHRC, Maina, who has previously served as UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, is also the founding Executive Director of KHRC.
“Kiai has served as UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association and was the inaugural chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Most recently, Kiai worked as Human Rights Watch’s director of alliances and partnerships, returning to an organisation he had previously served as Africa Director. He was the founding executive director of KHRC,” KHRC said.
Worth noting, Maina will be taking over from Davinder Lamba, who is a human rights general, and according to KHRC, has anchored the human rights sector through turbulent times.
“Kiai takes over from Davinder Lamba, a battle-hardened human rights general whose steady leadership anchored KHRC through turbulent times. KHRC salutes Lamba’s dedication and strategic guidance,” KHRC said.
In addition, Kiai will be deputised by Betty Okero, who continues in the role after serving alongside Lamba. We look forward to a renewed and fearless chapter in defending human rights and freedoms.
