Since early June 2026, the Executive Director of the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) has reportedly been subjected to a sustained pattern of intrusive surveillance and road harassment, including repeated tailing along routes she regularly uses to and from work. On 2 July 2026, at least 13 individuals alleged to be state security officers reportedly attempted to gain entry into TISA’s offices without following lawful procedures. Civil society organisations have further alleged that these incidents form part of a broader, coordinated campaign of intimidation targeting TISA, its Executive Director, staff members and other participants in the Okoa Uchumi Campaign.
In response to these developments, a coalition of civil society organisations issued a joint press statement on 13 July 2026 condemning what it described as police intimidation of activists and an organised, state-enabled campaign of terror against citizens exercising their constitutional rights. The statement called for investigations into the alleged surveillance, harassment, and attempted raid on TISA’s offices, as well as broader protections for civic actors.
These reported incidents point to a further deterioration of Kenya’s civic space and enabling environment for civil society. Such allegations of surveillance, intimidation, and harassment against civil society actors have a chilling effect on civic participation, freedom of association and the ability of civil society organisations to undertake accountability and public interest work without fear of reprisals.