Irũngũ Houghton

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Irũngũ Houghton is a leading African human rights advocate known for his fearless commitment to justice, integrity and accountability. With more than three decades of experience in civic leadership, governance reform, public policy, and citizen engagement, he most recently served as Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya from 2018 to June 2026. Irũngũ is also a columnist, author of "Dialogue and Dissent: A Constitution in Search of a Country", and an award-winning strategist whose work bridges grassroots activism and global human rights discourse.
He has worked with several leading global NGOs including ActionAid and Oxfam and is the founding Chairperson of the Kilimani Community Foundation, a residents association dedicated to building livable cities. His award-winning public interest campaigns have been recognized by the African Union, NEPAD, Nation Media Group, and others. A prolific writer and speaker, Irũngũ has published over 600 Op-Eds and is a trusted analyst for Kenyan and international media. He holds degrees from the University of Dar es Salaam and the School of Oriental and African Studies University of London. He is married to Robyn T. Emerson, a UT alumna. Together they have raised seven adult children.

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