Kenya’s standing as a democratic leader in Africa is under growing international scrutiny following reports of widespread human rights violations during ongoing Gen Z-led protests. Once hailed as a model for political freedom in the region, Kenya is now facing sharp criticism for state repression, excessive police force, and censorship.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 15 people were killed and hundreds injured during protests last week, all victims of gunshot wounds allegedly fired by police. The growing death toll has alarmed both domestic and international observers.
Ironically, these developments come as Kenya prepares to take up a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council in January 2025 a role that demands a strong commitment to civil liberties and justice.
The government’s controversial move to suspend live media broadcasts and block free-to-air TV signals for KTN and NTV has only intensified backlash. Uganda’s National Association of Broadcasters condemned the action as a violation of press freedom, while global media houses like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera aired footage and reports on the violence, amplifying international attention.
Leading rights organisations including Amnesty International, Transparency International Kenya, and HAKI Africa issued a joint statement condemning the killings and calling for police restraint. South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters party described President William Ruto’s administration as “brutally repressive” and accused it of escalating authoritarianism.
In the diaspora, the Kenya Diaspora Alliance-USA warned of global legal consequences if state-sponsored violence continues. Western diplomatic missions echoed these concerns, demanding independent investigations and condemning the use of plainclothes officers and unmarked vehicles during the crackdown.
In response, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and ruling UDA party pushed back, accusing foreign envoys of meddling in domestic affairs and promoting a “neo-colonial mindset.” Senior presidential advisor Moses Kuria redirected attention to the looting of businesses, questioning the silence on economic losses.
As protests intensify and global scrutiny mounts, Kenya risks not only tarnishing its democratic credentials but also jeopardizing critical diplomatic relationships and its international image as a champion of human rights.
