Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan authorities have expelled Zimbabwean constitutional lawyer Brian Bright Kagoro, accusing him of involvement in a foreign-backed scheme to mobilize political unrest through organized protests. The deportation, which occurred late Sunday, follows a months-long investigation into alleged efforts to destabilize the country, leveraging economic pressures and youth activism, according to Kenyan officials.
Kagoro, who serves as Managing Director of Programmes at Open Society Foundations (OSF) Africa, was declared persona non grata after being detained and questioned by immigration and security officials. He was escorted out of the country through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The move signals a heightened sensitivity within the Kenyan government regarding foreign influence in domestic political affairs, particularly in the wake of widespread protests in 2024.
Investigation Focused on Alleged Funding for Protests
Security agencies allege that Kagoro undertook several trips to Nairobi in 2025 and attempted to raise approximately US$1.2 million to support activist networks. These funds, authorities claim, were intended to reignite the youth-led protests that swept across Kenya in 2024, ultimately prompting the government to withdraw proposed tax increases after weeks of nationwide demonstrations largely organized through social media platforms. Capital FM reported these details, citing unnamed officials.
The 2024 protests, which saw significant public mobilization, were initially triggered by proposed tax hikes but quickly broadened to encompass grievances related to the cost of living and governance. Organizers of those demonstrations have consistently denied receiving foreign funding, maintaining that the movement was grassroots-driven. However, Kenyan security officials maintain that intelligence gathered over six months points to a deliberate strategy to manufacture unrest. “We have evidence, gathered painstakingly over the last six months, that indicates a calculated attempt to engineer civil disorder,” a senior security official stated, as reported by Nehanda Radio.
Concerns Over Foreign Interference
The Kenyan government has warned that foreign nationals suspected of interfering in the country’s internal political processes will face denial of entry, enhanced monitoring, or expulsion. This latest action underscores that commitment. The expulsion of Kagoro is not an isolated incident, as it reflects a broader concern about external actors attempting to influence Kenya’s political landscape. NewZimbabwe.com initially reported on the deportation.
The Open Society Foundations (OSF) Africa has not yet issued a public statement regarding Kagoro’s deportation. However, the organization is known for its support of civil society groups and human rights initiatives across the African continent. The allegations against Kagoro raise questions about the extent to which foreign funding influences political activism in Kenya and the government’s response to perceived threats to its stability.
Previous Protests and Government Response
The 2024 protests in Kenya were marked by widespread social media mobilization and clashes between demonstrators and police. The government’s initial response involved deploying security forces to quell the unrest and arresting protest leaders. The subsequent withdrawal of the proposed tax increases was seen as a concession to public pressure. The current investigation suggests that authorities believe these protests were not entirely organic and that external forces played a role in their organization and funding.
The Kenyan government’s actions are likely to draw criticism from human rights organizations and civil society groups who argue that they could be used to stifle dissent and restrict freedom of expression. The expulsion of Kagoro, a prominent constitutional lawyer, is likely to be viewed as a sign of increasing authoritarianism by some observers.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact relations between Kenya and Zimbabwe, as well as the broader landscape of civil society engagement in the region. The Kenyan government has indicated it will continue to monitor and respond to any perceived attempts to interfere in its internal affairs. Further investigations and potential expulsions could follow, depending on the outcome of ongoing security assessments.
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