By John Kariuki
The Young Lawyers Caucus, led by its chairperson and Kirinyaga County MP, Njeri Maina, has issued a scathing critique of the government, accusing it of undermining judicial independence, failing to address enforced disappearances, and neglecting critical public services. Speaking at a press conference, the group decried what they termed as a systematic erosion of democracy, warning that recent government actions posed a grave threat to the rule of law.
The lawyers condemned what they described as blatant interference in the judiciary by the Executive, citing instances of intimidation and coercion of judges. According to Maina, such tactics threaten Kenya’s democratic foundation and violate the doctrine of separation of powers.
“Our judiciary is under siege,” she stated. “The Executive is using threats and coercion to bend the will of the courts. This goes against the very foundation of our democracy, where judicial independence must be upheld.”
The caucus called on the government to respect the judiciary’s autonomy, warning that continued interference could erode public trust in the justice system and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
The lawyers also raised alarm over the increasing cases of abductions targeting young people, describing them as a tool of oppression aimed at silencing dissent. They cited international legal frameworks, including Article 7 of the Rome Statute and Article 6 of the African Charter, which classify enforced disappearances as crimes against humanity.
“Abductions are not just illegal; they are a gross violation of human rights,” Maina asserted. “The government must take responsibility and ensure that those behind these acts are brought to justice.”
The caucus urged authorities to launch swift investigations into these disappearances and hold those responsible accountable. They warned that the rising trend of extrajudicial actions risked turning Kenya into a state where citizens live in fear of their own government.
Beyond legal and human rights concerns, the Young Lawyers Caucus also criticized the government’s handling of public services, particularly in education and healthcare. They took issue with the higher education funding model, describing it as discriminatory and implemented without adequate public participation.
“A system that denies bright but underprivileged students access to higher education is fundamentally flawed,” said a representative of the caucus. “We demand a review of the funding model to ensure inclusivity and fairness.”
They further highlighted the deteriorating state of the healthcare sector, blaming government neglect for the chronic shortages of essential drugs, underpaid medical personnel, and crumbling healthcare infrastructure.
“Our hospitals are underfunded, and millions of Kenyans remain without access to quality healthcare,” they lamented. “Healthcare is a basic right, not a privilege. The government must prioritize investment in this sector.”
As they concluded their statement, the Young Lawyers Caucus issued a strong call to action, urging the government to respect judicial independence, investigate and prosecute those responsible for abductions, reform the higher education funding model, and prioritize investment in the healthcare sector.
“The time for impunity is over,” declared Maina. “We will not stand by as our democracy crumbles, our youth disappear, and our people suffer. The government must act now.”
Their strong stance signals a growing wave of dissatisfaction among Kenya’s young legal minds, determined to hold the government accountable and safeguard the nation’s democratic future.
