By Gatehi Rebiro, Former Kandara MP Candidate
Kenya finds itself at a critical juncture in its democratic journey, as the country faces a growing crisis of governance and a disturbing rise in human rights violations. In recent years, the abduction and enforced disappearances of activists, journalists, and government critics have become all too frequent, particularly those who dare to challenge the controversial Finance Bills. These grave injustices, coupled with an entrenched culture of impunity, are threatening to undo the hard-won democratic gains the nation has fought so long and hard to achieve.
Despite public outcry and repeated pleas from civil society groups, many of the victims of these forced disappearances remain unaccounted for. Their families are left in anguish, their futures uncertain, and the government's failure to investigate these heinous acts or hold those responsible to account has only deepened the public's distrust in the state's ability to protect its citizens.
The right to dissent is a cornerstone of any thriving democracy. Yet in Kenya, those who choose to exercise this right are increasingly met with brutal repression, whether through intimidation, violence, or in the most extreme cases, forced disappearance. This chilling trend has cast a long shadow over the country's democratic institutions and its commitment to fundamental human rights.
As I continue my ongoing legal challenge against the Finance Bill, it becomes clearer with each passing day that judicial independence is one of the last remaining safeguards against creeping authoritarianism. The judiciary must remain firm in upholding the rule of law, ensuring that those who speak out—whether against government policies or corruption—are not silenced by fear or coercion. But the judiciary itself is under siege, as powerful political forces make concerted efforts to undermine its authority and manipulate legal processes to serve their own narrow interests.
When the justice system falters, democracy suffers. When accountability is absent, fear replaces freedom. In such a climate, Kenya cannot afford to let the voices of its citizens be stifled by a combination of state-sponsored violence and legal manipulation.
The time for action is now. Kenya must urgently reaffirm its commitment to the values that define us as a democratic nation—justice, good governance, and respect for human rights. This means not only addressing the injustices of the past but ensuring that no citizen faces persecution for speaking out against wrongdoing. The government must take concrete steps to protect activists and ordinary citizens alike, restore the rule of law, and rebuild public trust in the institutions that are supposed to serve the people.
The future of our nation hinges on our collective resolve to stand firm in the face of injustice. We must demand transparency, hold those in power accountable, and ensure that Kenya’s democracy remains a beacon of hope for generations to come. Silence is not an option. The time to act is now, and it is our duty to defend the principles that will secure a just and free future for all Kenyans.
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