Coast Social Justice Travelling and Theatre, in collaboration with Defenders Coalition, equipped a new cohort of human rights defenders with essential skills at the Little Theatre Club in Mbaraki, Mombasa, on May 15.
The initiative, aimed at bolstering grassroots activism, focused on digital security, dealing with arrests and detention, and safely documenting protests, reflecting the evolving demands of modern human rights advocacy.
Coast Social Justice Travelling and Theatre, a mobile organization dedicated to championing the rights of marginalized communities, operates on three core principles: organize, educate, and celebrate.
The training underscored the group’s commitment to empowering activists across Kenya’s coastal region, where human rights challenges often intersect with social and economic disparities.
Bradley Ouna, a governance and human rights expert, urged participants to approach activism with passion and vigilance.
“Activism is not a job; it’s a calling,” he said, emphasizing the need for defenders to prioritize personal safety when confronting law enforcement.
Bradley Ouna addresses human rights defenders at the Coast Social Justice training in Mombasa. (Photo: Paul Media)
He advised activists to demand legal accountability during arrests, insisting on being brought before a court within 48 hours, as mandated by Kenyan law.
Ouna also stressed the right of arrested individuals to be informed of the reasons for their detention in a language they understand, encouraging defenders to stand firm in asserting their rights.
Saida Athmani, County ICT coordinator with the ICT Authority, led a session on digital security, highlighting the dual-edged nature of technology in activism.
“Your smartphone can empower you, but it can also be weaponized against you,” she cautioned.
Saida Athmani demonstrates secure password practices to ensure digital safety for activists at the Mombasa human rights training. (Photo: Paul Media)
Athmani advised participants to safeguard personal information online and adopt cautious digital habits while remaining vocal advocates for change.
“Stay loud, but stay smart,” she stated, urging a balance between visibility and security.
Evans Ochieng, another facilitator, provided practical guidance on protest safety and documentation.
Ochieng advised activists to stay in groups, carry minimal items, and document incidents discreetly while avoiding violence or real-time location sharing.
Evans Ochieng guides participants on safely documenting protests and civil disobedience during the Mombasa training at the Little Theatre Club. (Photo: Paul Media)
The training culminated in a celebration of resistance through artistic performances, followed by a networking session that fostered solidarity among participants.
The event marked a significant step in strengthening grassroots human rights networks along the Coast, ensuring defenders are both passionate and prepared.
