Open Society Statement on Concerns for Rule of Law in Kenya After Brian Kagoro Is Denied Entry

NAIROBI-The Open Society Foundations are concerned that the Kenyan government's commitment to the rule of law is under question after it disregarded a court order and denied entry this week to Brian Kagoro, Open Society's managing director for Africa.

Kenya's High Court issued an order in June that directed the authorities to permit Kagoro to travel to the country. Kagoro was set to attend proceedings in a case regarding his deportation from Kenya in February. The court's order made clear that he was to be allowed entry pending the outcome of the case.

The decision to bar Kagoro from entering Kenya prevents him from being able to exercise his legal rights to meet his lawyers and attend any proceedings related to his case.

The High Court has directed the Attorney General to explain why Kagoro was denied entry.