1511. On 19 September 2008, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding acts of intimidation against Ms. Pouline Kimani, a member of the Gay  and  Lesbian  Coalition  of Kenya.

1512. According to information received, on 23 August 2008, Ms. Pouline Kimani appeared on a television program which dealt with the issue of homosexuality in Kenya. On 25 August 2008, she was the victim of intimidation by a group of men in her community, while on 1 September 2008 she was chased and threatened with rape by a group of men. On 2 September 2008, she received threats in an envelope which was found outside her place of residence. These incidents were reported to the police by Ms. Pouline Kimani but she is unaware of whether there has been any investigation into them yet.

1513. Concern was expressed that the acts of intimidation against Ms. Pouline Kimani may have been related to her activities in defense of the rights of the gay and lesbian community in Kenya. Further  concern was expressed for the physical and psychological integrity of Ms. Pouline Kimani.

Observations

1514. The Special Rapporteur regrets that at the time of the finalization of this report, the Government had not transmitted a reply to her communications of 6 July 2005, 27 July 2005, 17 September 2007, 15 January 2008, 23 January 2008, 31 January 2008, 26 February 2008,408. 22 May 2008, 15 August 2008 and 19 September 2008. She considers response to her communications an important part of the cooperation of Governments with her mandate. She urges the Government to respond to the concerns raised by her, and provide detailed information regarding investigations undertaken, subsequent prosecutions as  well  as protective measures taken.

Link to full text of the report: Summary of cases-SR Human Rights Defenders-2009-eng