By James Mutua
A coalition of civil society organizations, faith groups, labour unions, and governance actors has issued a stark warning on the state of Kenya’s democracy, declaring the country is at a “critical moment” marked by economic hardship, shrinking civic space, and eroding public trust.
In a joint press statement issued under the banner Maisha Bora Sasa, an intersectoral coalition convened by Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi, bringing together Uraia Trust, Transparency International Kenya, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), and the Elections Observation Group (ELOG), among others, said the phrase “Maisha ni mbaya” reflects the lived reality of millions of Kenyans facing a high cost of living, limited opportunities, and growing uncertainty about the future.
The groups warned that while Kenya’s democratic institutions remain intact in form, their substance is increasingly under threat from what they termed institutional capture, executive overreach, and weakening checks and balances.
They pointed to the June 2024 Gen Z protests as a turning point, describing them as a “verdict” against broken promises and a widening disconnect between citizens and leadership.
“The verdict demands not episodic protest, but sustained, organized democratic renewal,” the statement said.
The coalition expressed alarm over what it described as a growing crackdown on civic freedoms, citing incidents of abductions, illegal deportations, surveillance, intimidation, and interference with places of worship.
It also raised concerns about the spread of digital misinformation, including AI-generated content, warning that such trends threaten citizens’ ability to participate freely in public life.
The groups called for an immediate end to actions that restrict civic space and urged authorities to protect human rights defenders and all Kenyans engaged in democratic processes.
Highlighting constitutional provisions, the coalition urged Parliament to assert its independence and resist legislation passed without meaningful public participation. It also called on constitutional commissions and independent institutions to remain faithful to the law and free from political interference.
The statement warned against the concentration of political power and emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the next election cycle approaching, the coalition stressed the urgency of strengthening electoral systems, including reforms on campaign financing and rebuilding trust in key institutions such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
It also appealed to young Kenyans to register as voters, describing civic participation as critical to shaping the country’s future.
On the economic front, the coalition painted a grim picture of strained public services, citing challenges in education and healthcare, youth unemployment, and inadequate disaster preparedness.
The statement criticized what it described as increasing allocations to State House amid declining conditions in essential sectors, raising concerns about national priorities and accountability.
Citing constitutional guarantees, the coalition underscored the State’s obligation to ensure access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for young people, warning that failure to act risks creating a “lost generation.”
The coalition also called for greater respect for the Office of the Presidency, urging leaders to uphold dignity, integrity, and the principles of public trust as outlined in the Constitution.
It emphasized that leadership should serve the people rather than wield power for personal or political interests.
In a detailed call to action, the coalition outlined demands directed at Parliament, the Executive, the Judiciary, security agencies, and electoral bodies.
The key demands include legislative independence and campaign finance reforms, an end to human rights violations and civic repression, judicial enforcement of constitutional rights, transparent and credible electoral processes, and the reallocation of resources toward health, education, and youth empowerment.
The coalition also urged citizens, particularly young people, to actively participate in governance by acquiring national identification documents, registering to vote, and holding leaders accountable.
They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing democratic reforms and called on all Kenyans to play an active role in safeguarding the country’s future.
“Kenya’s democratic future is not guaranteed. It must be built deliberately, collectively, and with urgency,” the coalition said.
