This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On Mashujaa Day, October 20, 2019, the Defenders Coalition will host the Mashujaa Festival at Alliance Francaise in Nairobi to honor human rights defenders and social justice activists.
The event aims to recognize over 200 individuals who have made unparalleled sacrifices and contributions to the liberation of Kenya, advancement of human rights, and social justice.
Among those to be recognized is Prof. YashPal Ghai, a key figure in Kenya's liberation. The concert will feature top musicians and poets, including Sarabi band, Mbogi Konnection, and spoken word poets like Javan the poet and Ndungi Githuku.
According to Kamau Ngugi, Executive Director of the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, the Mashujaa Festival is a creative space to recognize and honor human rights defenders who have been overlooked for far too long.
Through the concert, the Defenders Coalition aims to celebrate significant gains made in the fight for freedom and justice while calling for resilience from Kenyans to continue fighting for their rights.
The campaign, part of the larger Climb for Justice initiative, seeks to raise Kshs 50m to construct a home for all human rights defenders in the country.
