Kenya’s Civic Space Under Siege: Concerns Raised at Mombasa Summit
19th September 2024, Mombasa, Kenya – The Fourth Annual Civic Space Protection Summit concluded in Mombasa with participants voicing grave concerns over the state of civic space and governance in Kenya. The event coincided with the second anniversary of the Kenya Kwanza administration and followed the International Day of Democracy on September 15, 2024.
In a closing press statement, civil society groups expressed deep disappointment with the government’s disregard for constitutional protections and oversight bodies, highlighting the continued erosion of civil liberties under the current regime.
Government Defiance of Court Orders
Among the key concerns was the defiance of court orders by senior state officials. A pointed example was the case of former acting Inspector-General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, who has failed to comply with a court order mandating his six-month imprisonment. The court’s directive stems from a case involving three abducted individuals—Boby Njagi, Aslam Longton, and Jamil Longton—who remain missing. Summit participants called for Masengeli’s immediate incarceration and demanded that the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kindiki Kithure, take swift action or risk the public initiating citizens’ arrests.
Threats to Peaceful Protest
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the persistent attack on the right to peaceful protest, guaranteed by Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution. Recent demonstrations against the 2024 Finance Bill have seen numerous reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and abductions at the hands of state actors. The summit condemned these actions, emphasizing that they would continue holding security agencies accountable for these human rights violations.
The Assemblies and Demonstrations Bill of 2024, currently before the National Assembly, was criticized for further undermining constitutional rights. It was revealed that over 60 civil society leaders and human rights defenders have been killed in the past two years, a statistic that underscores the high cost of advocating for justice in Kenya.
Police Brutality and Injuries
Among the recent victims of police brutality is Trever Mathenge Mureithi, a first-year student at Multimedia University. Mureithi was severely injured after a teargas canister was lobbed at him at close range during a protest, leaving him in critical condition. The summit called for the immediate suspension of the police officers involved and the interdiction of those responsible for continuous harassment and abductions across the country.
Corruption and Public Participation
Participants also condemned the erosion of public participation and fiscal accountability in government. They highlighted how the mismanagement of public resources and widespread corruption have not only hurt Kenya’s economy but also infringed on human rights. An alarming example was the recent controversy surrounding Adani’s bid to take over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which civil society leaders said was an attempt to subvert the Constitution for the benefit of a few elite individuals.
Speakers at the summit called for stronger, independent oversight institutions and more transparency in governance, warning that the misuse of state agencies to suppress dissent must end.
Digital Activism and Repression
While Kenya is home to some of the most vibrant digital activism globally, summit participants expressed concern over increasing state surveillance and repression in the digital space. They condemned the government’s use of cyberbullying, propaganda, and administrative actions to suppress free speech, which has led to growing self-censorship among activists.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Resilience
The summit concluded with a firm commitment to defending and expanding civic space in Kenya. “The road ahead may be tough, but we are resilient,” the statement read. “Our democracy depends on it.”
The Fourth Civic Space Protection Summit has reaffirmed its role as a critical forum for addressing the increasingly restrictive environment for civil society in Kenya, and participants vowed to continue the fight for human rights, justice, and transparency.
LINKS:
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/coast/article/2001503188/human-rights-groups-raise-alarm-over-escalating-human-rights-violations