International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya): The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) expresses its grave concern and strongly condemns the recent detention and subsequent expulsion of Mr Brian Kagoro, a renowned Pan-Africanist, Zimbabwean lawyer and human rights defender, who also serves as the Africa Director of the Open Society Foundation (OSF).
Mr Kagoro’s track record in advancing good governance, human rights and the rule of law across Africa and globally has set him out as one of the most celebrated Africans today. ICJ Kenya, learnt from reliable sources that in the afternoon of 22 February 2026, security officers denied Mr Kagoro entry into Kenya. The security officers subjected him to treatment that is inconsistent with Kenya’s longstanding tradition of regional hospitality and constitutional fidelity.
Mr Kagoro was not provided with any explanation for the reasons he was held, and neither was he given a written notification detailing the reasons for the denial of entry.
