Kenya has lost one of its most fearless and principled voices in the struggle for democracy and justice. Prominent human rights activist Mugambi Kiai died on Monday morning after a prolonged and courageous battle with end-stage kidney failure.
The news of his passing has triggered an immediate wave of tributes from legal scholars, fellow activists, civil society organisations and ordinary Kenyans who recognized him as an uncompromising champion of constitutionalism, accountability and civic space.
Law professor Makau Mutua described Kiai as “a towering figure in the country’s democratic struggle” and “a stalwart of Kenya’s civil society.” In a heartfelt statement, Mutua said: “I have learnt with shock and deep sadness of the sudden passing of Mugambi Kiai, a great thinker. Mr Kiai’s immense contributions to the struggle for democracy and civic space, and against impunity, have made Kenya a better society.”
Lawyer Willis Otieno, who counted Kiai as a close friend and comrade, paid similar homage. “Mugambi was not just a human rights activist; he was a steadfast voice in the struggle for justice, accountability, and the dignity of the Kenyan people,” Otieno wrote. “I witnessed firsthand his courage, clarity of thought, and unwavering commitment to constitutionalism.”
Otieno went on to highlight Kiai’s resilience even in the face of serious illness. “Even while unwell, his legacy remained one of resistance against impunity and solidarity with the oppressed. Kenya has lost a principled defender of justice. The civil society fraternity has lost a comrade. I have lost a friend.”
Amnesty International Kenya remembered Kiai as “warm, compassionate and courageous.” The organisation stated: “We express our appreciation for the leadership and impact of Mugambi Kiai who passed away this morning. We shall remember him as a warm, compassionate and courageous human rights defender. Our deepest condolences to the entire Kiai family and his wider family of human rights defenders and journalists.”
A lawyer by training, Kiai held degrees from the University of Nairobi and Harvard Law School. Over the years he carved out a formidable reputation in the fields of human rights, governance, freedom of expression and democratic accountability.
In January 2020 he took up the position of Regional Director for Eastern Africa at ARTICLE 19, the global civil liberties organisation dedicated to defending freedom of expression and access to information. In that role he led high-profile advocacy campaigns on press freedom, shrinking civic space and democratic rights across Kenya and the wider region.
Kiai was also a prolific commentator whose incisive articles and analyses on governance and human rights issues frequently appeared in the Daily Nation and other leading outlets.
His health battle began in February 2023 when he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure, a condition that left his kidneys unable to filter blood effectively. He required regular dialysis and, ultimately, a kidney transplant to survive without ongoing treatment. In mid-2024 supporters launched a public fundraiser to help cover the substantial costs of transplant surgery and related medical care. The procedure took place in March 2025.
Despite the operation and the community’s support, complications from the long illness proved insurmountable.
Kiai’s death comes as a heavy blow to Kenya’s human rights movement at a time when many of the causes he championed—protection of civic space, accountability for state excesses, and robust defence of constitutional rights—remain under pressure.
Friends, colleagues and admirers say the most fitting tribute will be to continue the work he started. As Willis Otieno put it: “May his contribution to the human rights movement continue to inspire us to press on firmly, fearlessly, and faithfully.”
Rest in power, Mugambi Kiai. The struggle continues.
