Open Society Condemns Deportation of Zimbabwean Lawyer Brian Kagoro From Kenya

Open Society Foundations Seek Clarification From Kenya Over Unlawful Expulsion Of Brian Kagoro

The Open Society Foundations (OSF) has fiercely condemned the Kenyan government for the arbitrary detention and deportation of its Managing Director of Programmes, Brian Kagoro, a prominent Zimbabwean lawyer and Pan-Africanist, branding the move legally unfounded and a blatant violation of due process while vehemently dismissing allegations that he was in the country to bankroll political unrest.

According to a statement released by the global foundation, Kagoro was subjected to an ordeal lasting more than ten hours upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on February 22. He was immediately cornered and questioned by national intelligence officers before being forcibly placed on a flight back to Johannesburg.

The organisation stressed that no formal charges were ever levelled against him, nor were any written reasons provided for his expulsion. The only document he received was a removal order citing Section 54 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, a clause typically reserved for documentation-related offences, with no specific violation detailed.

“The Open Society Foundations condemn the arbitrary detention and denial of entry of our managing director of Programs, Brian Kagoro, by authorities in Kenya,” the organisation stated. “No formal charges were presented, and no written reasons were provided to him.”

Baseless Allegations Of Funding Unrest

In the wake of the deportation, whispers began circulating in Kenyan media. Citing unnamed government sources, several outlets suggested Kagoro was persona non grata due to his alleged involvement in financing and coordinating political demonstrations aimed at destabilising the administration of President William Ruto.

The Open Society Foundations did not hold back in its rebuttal, categorically dismissing the insinuations as a smear campaign designed to justify an illegal act.

The foundation made it explicitly clear that its mandate, both globally and within Kenya, is focused on institutional support, not street-level agitation. It reiterated that its funding is strictly channeled towards lawful civic engagement and accountable governance structures. Kagoro, a respected figure with decades of experience in constitutional law and regional integration, has reportedly been a lawful and frequent visitor to Kenya for the past ten years, making the sudden reversal of his entry status baffling to the organisation.

“We categorically reject as baseless the allegations circulated by certain media outlets, citing unnamed sources, that Kagoro was involved in financing or coordinating political unrest in Kenya,” the OSF statement asserted. “No evidence has been presented to support these defamatory claims. Open Society does not fund or organize political protests.”

A History Of Partnership With Kenyan Institutions

The foundation highlighted the irony of the incident, pointing to its long and constructive history within the East African nation. Since 2005, OSF has poured resources and expertise into Kenya, working hand-in-hand with various government bodies and local stakeholders on critical issues ranging from economic policy and climate change to bolstering democratic governance. The deportation of one of its top executives, they argue, is a puzzling way to treat a partner.

The organisation stressed that it has always operated within the bounds of Kenyan law, including stringent immigration protocols. Kagoro himself is not a stranger to the continent’s corridors of power; he is widely recognised for his fearless advocacy for the rule of law and global justice.

The foundation, established by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, confirmed it is now seeking formal clarification from Nairobi through the proper diplomatic and legal channels, demanding answers for what it perceives as a breakdown of transparency and democratic principles.

“Since 2005, we have worked constructively with Kenyan institutions and stakeholders, including government actors, on issues such as economic policy, climate, and democratic governance, and we value that partnership,” the foundation noted. “Transparency and due process are essential principles in democratic societies.”

As of the time of publication, the Kenyan government has remained silent, offering no official comment or explanation regarding the specific intelligence, if any, that led to the decision to bar Kagoro’s entry.