CSOs calls for Protection of Civil Space, Urges executive to end interference in independent institutions
MACHAKOS, Kenya, Mar 19 – The Inter-Sectorial Leadership Retreat focused on strengthening democratic accountability, protecting civic space, and advancing citizen-led reform in Kenya collectively reflected on the current state of Kenya’s democracy, its challenges, contradictions held under the theme “From Protest to Organization: Resourcing Courageous Citizenship and Democratic Renewal.”
The gathering brought together CSO leaders, youth and women movement representatives, faith-based leaders, Labour Unions and other key stakeholders working to promote democratic renewal and courageous citizenship.
While addressing the media at Lukenya Gateway, Arthi River in Machakos County the group raised concern on increasing rising costs of living, shrinking opportunities and growing uncertainty about the future and crackdown on civic freedoms that has affected both civic leaders and ordinary citizens noting that attack on civic space is unacceptable.
Among the actions include abductions,illegal deportations, surveillance, intimidation, interference with places of worship and the spread of digitalmisinformation, including AI-generated content.
“Civic space encompasses every Kenyan’s right to speak freely, assemble, participate in public life and holdthose in power accountable without fear of retaliation, We demand for the immediate cessation of all actions that restrict these fundamental freedoms and urge the protection of civic leaders, human rights defenders and citizens who are actively engaged in public lifeand democratic processes”.
As 2027 General elections nears they address pressing challenges, including the need for regulated campaign financing, robust electoral processes, and a strengthened Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), ORPP, Parliament, Judiciary, Law Enforcement agencies and other election management bodies.
“We appeal to young Kenyans to take action by obtaining their national identification documents and registering to vote. Your participation matters. Every vote counts, and together, we can shape a brighter future. Let’s make ourvoices heard in the upcoming elections”.
Kenya’s education and health systems are under significant strain. Persistent capitation challenges, overcrowded classrooms, and under-resourced hospitals continue to undermine service delivery.
They demand that IEBC rebuild public trust through transparent, robust processes, strengthen voter registration and enforce campaign finance rules without fear or favour. “Resist every form of political pressure that would compromise the vote”.
Additionally, the lobby group called for urgent, targeted investment in human development and demand for full inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities and all marginalised communities in every space of governance and decision-making.
Amid the ongoing series of aggressive verbal exchanges between President Ruto and opposition leaders the conduct that continues to degrade the Presidency is appalling, an institution and symbol of national unity that belongs to all Kenyans, as espoused in Article 131 of the 2010 constitution.
“Article 73 of the Constitution is unambiguous, authority assigned to a State officer is a public trust. It must bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office It vests in the office the responsibility to serve the people, not the power to rule them”.
“We demand that the President and all political leaders exercise language, conduct, and leadership worthy of the offices they hold. Chapter 6 is not merely an ornamental chapter of the constitution but a guiding light for our leaders on their conduct in their political offices”.
The Presidency is not a personal platform It is a constitutional trusr kenyans require political hygiene fromthe top and across all political actors.
To the Parliament they demanded that they defend its independence without apology and reject all legislation pushed through without genuine public participation, pass campaign finance reform before 2027, Exercise its oversight mandate with courage, hold the Executive to account on every shilling of public money spent under Article 201.
Further, they call for an end executive interference in independent institutions. Cease any support direct or tacit for groups fomenting regional instability.Redirect the nation’s resources toward health, education, and youth opportunity.
“The State House budget cannot expand while hospitals collapse and classrooms overflow”.
Subsequently, they called on all security agencies and police to Immediately end all abductions, illegal deportations, surveillance and intimidation of civicleaders and ordinary Kenyans.
“Stop interference with places of worshipYour lawful mandate is to protect the right to assemble, speak, and participate, not to extinguish it. You answer to the Constitution, not topolitical instruction You are the last line of defence when every other institution bends”.
They urged every Kenyan especially young Kenyans that the power to change the country lives in them calling them to register as votersnotwait for leaders to save you; hold them accountable at every turn.
“Carry the spirit of June 2024 forward into sustained, organized civic action reject the disinformation including AI generated lies designed to confuseand divide you. Your vote, your voice, and your vigilance are the foundation everything else is built on”.
