Kenyan civil society leaders are raising alarm over the increasing erosion of democratic space in the country, citing a heavy-handed government response to peaceful protests and a broader disregard for constitutional freedoms.
Speaking during a democracy forum held in Nairobi, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Executive Director Eric Mukoya criticized the state’s aggressive policing of protests and crackdowns on social media users and independent media. He said these actions are sending a worrying signal that government institutions are failing to uphold the rule of law and protect civil liberties.
“The lights are flashing red,” Mukoya warned. “Democracy in the country is losing meaning and ordinary citizens are slowly giving up. Despite elections and democratic processes, decisions are often made behind closed doors, sidelining the public.”
Mukoya also raised concerns about new legislation aimed at policing protests, which he argued would infringe on Article 37 of the Constitution — the right to peaceful assembly. He questioned the necessity of such a law, suggesting it could be used to stifle dissent. “We read mischief in that. People have the freedom to protest, as long as it is peaceful. That must be upheld,” he said.
Joining Mukoya at the forum, Achille Mbembe of the Innovation Foundation for Democracy emphasized the need for cross-border civil society collaboration to protect democracy across Africa. He called for civil movements to hold governments accountable and urged the continent’s youth, especially Gen Z, to remain engaged in the fight for rights and leadership renewal.
Mbembe criticized the continued dominance of older male leaders, calling it a form of gerontocracy that stifles progress. “Old men do not know how to step aside and pave the way for younger generations,” he said.
Mukoya noted that Kenya’s democratic backslide reflects a regional trend. Citing the 2023 Afrobarometer report, he said that 55% of Africans no longer believe in democracy.
The forum highlighted growing concerns over police brutality, illegal surveillance, and the misuse of public institutions. Civil society vowed to challenge repressive measures and reignite democratic values across the continent.
