The Kenya Kwanza government is increasingly marred by repression and disregard for constitutional freedoms.The recent downgrade of Kenya’s civic freedom status from “obstructed” to “repressed” by the Civicus Monitor’s Global Findings 2024 paints a grim picture of the state of democracy in the country.
This concerning classification is a direct result of the violent government crackdown on protests against the Finance Bill 2024, a move that exposed the regime’s brutal tactics against dissent.
The Finance Bill 2024 sparked widespread anger among Kenyans who were already grappling with a high cost of living and rampant government corruption.
Instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of the people, the Kenya Kwanza government responded with disproportionate violence.
At least 60 unarmed protesters lost their lives, over 1,200 were arrested, and countless others were subjected to abductions and intimidation.
The streets, once a symbol of vibrant civic engagement, became battlegrounds where police brutality replaced dialogue and compromise.Six months after these protests, the situation has only worsened.
Abductions of activists, protesters, and even online supporters have created a climate of fear, eroding the very foundations of Kenya’s democracy.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, as of October 31, 2024, at least 71 cases of enforced disappearances have been documented.
These abductions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to silence dissent and maintain control over an increasingly disillusioned populace.
The government’s response to these atrocities has been hypocritical at best.
President William Ruto, during the State of the Nation Address in November 2024, claimed to champion democracy and the right to peaceful protest.
Yet, his administration’s actions tell a different story.
The violent suppression of protests and the continued harassment of dissenters contradict his public declarations, exposing a government more focused on safeguarding its power than upholding the rights of its citizens.
Even more troubling is the use of law enforcement as a tool for oppression. Despite the constitution explicitly guaranteeing the right to picket, the police have been deployed to block roads and violently disperse peaceful demonstrations.
This blatant disregard for constitutional protections has led to the deaths of many young protesters, particularly from Generation Z, whose only crime was demanding accountability from their leaders.
The repression in Kenya is not an isolated case. Other countries like Burkina Faso, Eswatini, and Ethiopia have faced similar downgrades in their civic freedoms.
However, Kenya’s situation is particularly egregious given its long-standing reputation as a regional leader in democracy and human rights.
The Kenya Kwanza government is rapidly dismantling that legacy, replacing hope with fear and progress with regression.
Kenya’s descent into repression under the Kenya Kwanza administration is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked power and unbridled corruption.
The cries for justice, accountability, and transparency are being met with violence and intimidation, signaling a government that has abandoned its people.
If the current trajectory continues, Kenya risks losing its democratic identity, plunging further into authoritarianism and oppression.
The Kenyan people deserve better than a government that prioritizes its survival over their freedoms and wellbeing.
