The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders has condemned the attack against activist Okiya Omtatah on Thursday night in Nairobi.

Omtatah sustained deep cuts on the fore head and his teeth broken. He was attacked at the city centre. The civil society asked the government to provide security to all Kenyans.

"We condemn this incident and the ongoing threats targeting human rights defenders as they conduct their legitimate work. We call upon the government, particularly the police to assure citizens of safety and protection of all people particularly as the country head towards elections in March 2013", they said.

They are demanding a quick investigation into the incident and those behind the attack arrested and prosecuted. "The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders urges and the Government of Kenya to fight impunity by ensuring that impartial, thorough and timely investigations are carried out into this and other incidents, and that the perpetrators are held to account in prosecutions that meet international fair trial standards", They said.

The organization is linking the attack to the recent statements Omutatah had made regarding the the procurement of the Bio Metric Voter Registration Kits.

"The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders plays a key role in fostering a democratic and rights-respecting society and should be protected from attack. No form of attack on these organization will succeed in silencing and intimidating them", they said.