Civil Society warns of rising repression as Kenya heads toward 2027 elections

Their latest concern centers on the controversial disruption of a student play at Butere Girls High School. Authorities allegedly blocked the performance of Echoes of War — a production said to be critical of state policies — using tear gas to disperse students and staff.

“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,” said Boaz Waruku of Elimu Bora, calling the act a direct assault on artistic freedom.

The response from civil society has been swift and vocal. Activists say the government's use of force to suppress creative expression is just one example of a larger, more worrying trend.

“What are we telling our generation?” asked one protester. “That we should throw away our Constitution and legalize abuse of power? We want those officers arrested, suspended, and then prosecuted.”

At the same time, political gatherings across the country are increasingly being marred by violence. Hooligans have reportedly attacked politicians, disrupted convoys, and intimidated citizens — often with impunity. Civil society groups accuse the government of turning a blind eye to these incidents.

“Activation of goons to disrupt has taken root,” said Nerima Wako, CEO of Siasa Place. “There has been near-zero accountability from the government — targets mostly being anti-government.”

Despite repeated calls for justice, no arrests have been made. No prosecutions have followed. And for rights groups, that silence is deafening.

“No arrests, no prosecutions, and no accountability for those believed to be orchestrating and funding these disruptions,” Wako added.

As political tension builds toward 2027, civil society leaders fear that the unchecked violence and suppression of dissent could have long-lasting consequences.

“As we move towards 2027, Kenyans need to continue asking for answers and hold individuals accountable,” Wako urged.

The crackdown on free expression isn’t limited to protests and plays. Activists are also sounding the alarm over ongoing efforts in Parliament to reinstate the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), despite a 2022 High Court ruling that found it unconstitutional. Critics see this push as part of a wider attempt to erode the rule of law.

“The court was clear,” said Kawive Wambua of Inuka Trust. “But now I hear they want to change the Constitution to entrench it. You cannot have a constitutional nullity in the Constitution.”