Kenya at a Crossroads, A Call for Justice and Democracy
1
0
By Gatehi Rebiro Former Kandara MP candidate.
Kenya stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, grappling with a crisis of governance, human rights violations, and the erosion of constitutional freedoms. In recent years, enforced disappearances and abductions of activists, journalists, and government critics have become alarmingly frequent—especially for those who dared to challenge the controversial Finance Bills. These grave injustices, combined with a growing culture of impunity, threaten to reverse the democratic gains that the nation has fought so hard to achieve.
Despite public outcry, many of those who were forcibly taken remain missing, their families left in anguish and uncertainty. The government’s failure to investigate these cases and prosecute those responsible has only deepened public distrust in state institutions. The right to dissent is a fundamental pillar of democracy, yet in Kenya, those who exercise this right are increasingly met with intimidation, violence, or even disappearance.
As I continue to seek justice through an ongoing legal challenge against the Finance Bill, it is evident that judicial independence is a critical safeguard against authoritarianism. The judiciary must remain firm in upholding the rule of law, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and that accountability prevails over political impunity. However, judicial independence is under siege, as powerful political forces attempt to undermine its authority and manipulate legal processes to serve their own interests.
When the justice system is compromised, democracy suffers. When accountability is absent, fear takes its place. Kenya cannot afford to let the voices of its citizens be silenced by intimidation or state-sponsored violence.
Kenya must urgently reaffirm its commitment to justice, good governance, and human rights. This means not only addressing past injustices but also ensuring that no citizen is persecuted for speaking out. The government must take concrete steps to protect activists, uphold the rule of law, and restore public confidence in institutions meant to serve the people.
The future of our nation depends on our collective resolve to defend democratic principles, demand transparency, and hold those in power accountable. Now is the time for Kenyans to stand firm in the face of injustice—because silence is not an option.
About The Author
