Civil society groups in Kenya are warning of rising repression as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections. Activists say the government is increasing efforts to silence criticism, not only by using force but also by ignoring attacks on political freedoms.
These concerns follow a recent incident at Butere Girls High School in western Kenya, where police allegedly used tear gas to stop a student play. The play, Echoes of War, was believed to question government policies. This incident has sparked public outcry and drawn attention to what rights groups describe as a dangerous trend.
Police Disrupt School Play, Spark Outrage
The play at Butere Girls High School was expected to explore themes of conflict and governance in Kenya. Instead, it ended with chaos. Witnesses say police stormed the event and used tear gas to scatter students, teachers, and guests.
Boaz Waruku, a representative of Elimu Bora, condemned the incident. “What we witnessed last week — the attack on creativity and art — we wonder, we ask the government and those mercenaries of doom to keep off learning institutions,” Waruku said, calling the move a clear violation of artistic freedom.
Rights groups argue this case is part of a broader pattern of suppressing free expression in Kenya.
Political Violence on the Rise
In addition to the school incident, civil society organizations are reporting a surge in politically motivated violence across the country. Protesters claim that hooligans have attacked politicians, disrupted political convoys, and intimidated ordinary citizens without facing consequences.
Nerima Wako, CEO of Siasa Place, expressed concern over what she describes as growing impunity. “Activation of goons to disrupt has taken root,” Wako said. “There has been near-zero accountability from the government — targets mostly being anti-government.”
Despite numerous reports, no arrests or prosecutions have followed these violent acts. This silence, according to rights groups, only strengthens fears about the state of democracy in Kenya.
“No arrests, no prosecutions, and no accountability for those believed to be orchestrating and funding these disruptions,” Wako added.
Growing Worries as 2027 Elections Approach
As political temperatures rise, civil society leaders warn that the unchecked violence and repression of dissent could have long-term effects. Activists say the government must uphold political freedoms and respect the rule of law as the country prepares for the next elections.
“As we move towards 2027, Kenyans need to continue asking for answers and hold individuals accountable,” Wako urged.
Disputes Over the Constituency Development Fund
Alongside concerns over violence and repression, activists are raising alarms about ongoing efforts to reinstate the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). In 2022, Kenya’s High Court ruled the CDF unconstitutional. However, recent moves in Parliament aim to bring it back, raising legal and ethical concerns.
Kawive Wambua, a leader at Inuka Trust, criticized the government’s attempt to override the court ruling. “The court was clear,” Wambua stated. “But now I hear they want to change the Constitution to entrench it. You cannot have a constitutional nullity in the Constitution.”
Rights groups fear this push could weaken the judiciary’s authority and damage Kenya’s legal framework.
Experts Urge Government Accountability
Legal experts and political analysts are calling for the government to take urgent steps. They stress the need to protect freedom of speech, ensure safety at public events, and respect court decisions.
According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), these incidents reflect a worrying decline in civic space. “We urge state agencies to respect the rights of citizens and uphold the law,” the commission said in a recent statement.
Kenya’s civil society is standing firm against what they see as growing oppression ahead of the 2027 elections. From the disruption of a student play to increasing political violence and controversial parliamentary moves, activists say the country’s democratic space is shrinking.
As the next election approaches, rights groups urge citizens to stay informed, demand justice, and hold leaders accountable.
