"UN experts urge Kenya to protect environmental defenders", 30 May 2018

The Kenyan Government must...take measures to protect defenders who have faced harassment and intimidation after they testified against a local lead smelter accused of environmental pollution. Cases of lead poisoning have been reported in the area near the smelter. Alfred Ogola, Wilfred Kamencu, Anastacia Nambo and Kavumbi Munga and several others have been subjected to threats following the first hearing against the plant on 17 May. They are due to testify again in a class action lawsuit against the Government and the lead smelter for violating the right to a healthy environment guaranteed under Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya. People have visited their homes at night repeatedly banging on their doors, yelling at them. One of them had been attacked with an unknown substance which caused eye problems and swelling.“It is unacceptable that they are repeatedly threatened, harassed, intimidated and assaulted and no one has been held accountable.” This is the third time UN experts have called on the Government to protect and promote the rights of the environmentalists. The Government has not responded on any occasion.