Crackdown on Dissent
The crackdown on dissent in Kenya has been severe, with public protests against taxes, corruption, and state abuses often met with brutal police violence. The anti-government demonstrations in 2025, sparked by the tragic death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody, resulted in at least 65 fatalities, 500 injuries, and 530 arrests. There’s been a troubling rise in reports of forced disappearances and abductions, which has seriously damaged public trust in the security forces.
Attacks on Free Expression
When it comes to free expression, journalists, filmmakers, and activists are facing increasing harassment, equipment seizures, and politically motivated charges. Notable activists like Boniface Mwangi have found themselves targeted under counterterrorism laws, illustrating how the state is increasingly blurring the lines between dissent and security threats.
Rising Femicide
The issue of femicide is also on the rise, with Kenya witnessing a shocking increase in gender-based violence. In 2024 alone, 170 women lost their lives to femicide—almost double the number from the previous year—underscoring the systemic failures to protect women, despite widespread public outcry.
Legal Wins and Recognition
On a more positive note, there have been some legal victories worth celebrating. Courts have made landmark decisions, such as restoring citizenship rights to ethnic Somali Kenyans who were wrongly classified as refugees and safeguarding Nubian land rights. Additionally, Kenya has taken a significant step toward inclusion by becoming one of the first African nations to officially recognize intersex individuals on birth registrations.
The Crossroads
Kenya stands at a crossroads: it’s a leader in progressive legal recognition for vulnerable groups, yet it grapples with deepening authoritarian practices, excessive policing, and widespread violations of basic freedoms. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether these hard-won rights can endure in an increasingly repressive environment.
