Kenya Urged to Strengthen Human Rights Safeguards Ahead of 2027 General Election

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer 16/12/2025. 

Kenya has been urged to reinforce human rights safeguards ahead of the 2027 General Election to avert electoral violence and democratic regression seen in parts of the continent.

The appeal was made during the National Symposium on Human Rights and the Ballot in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities, held on December 16, 2025, at the Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. The forum was convened under the theme “Securing Human Rights Before the Ballot: Lessons for Kenya 2027.”

The symposium brought together human rights defenders, election specialists, civil society representatives and legal practitioners to assess pre election human rights trends in Tanzania, Uganda and Cameroon, and to draw lessons relevant to Kenya’s electoral preparedness.

Speaking at the event, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi warned that shrinking civic space, political repression and weakened electoral institutions across Africa posed serious risks to Kenya’s democratic stability if not addressed.

She noted that across the continent, pre election periods are increasingly characterised by arrests of opposition figures, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and institutional manipulation. Kabeberi cautioned that Kenya could follow a similar path unless deliberate preventive measures are taken.

Referencing developments in Uganda, Tanzania and Cameroon, she said the imprisonment of opposition leaders, suppression of dissent and erosion of electoral credibility had undermined public trust and weakened regional democratic norms.

Kabeberi also expressed concern over incidents of violence, arrests and alleged abductions reported during youth led protests in Kenya in 2024 and 2025, warning that such patterns could intensify during the election period if left unresolved.

She underscored the constitutional role of Chapter Fifteen institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, stressing the need for independence and fidelity to the Constitution.

“Once appointed, these institutions must rise above political interests and defend the Constitution. If office holders are unable to do so, they should step aside,” she said, calling on citizens to hold independent institutions accountable.

Evance Ogada, an advocate and Chair of the Rule of Law Committee at the East Africa Law Society, warned that unresolved cases of electoral violence and political intimidation witnessed during recent by elections could compromise the credibility of the 2027 polls.

“If such acts are repeated on a national scale, Kenya risks sham elections rather than a genuine democratic process,” Ogada said.

He called for impartial enforcement of the law, accountability for perpetrators of electoral violence and respect for the independence of the IEBC and security agencies. Ogada also reminded election officials of their constitutional oath, cautioning that negligence or misconduct could attract future criminal liability.

“History will judge those entrusted with managing elections. International criminal accountability does not expire,” he said.

Michael Aboneka from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria emphasised the importance of accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and access to information.

Aboneka warned against election related internet disruptions and political interference in the appointment of electoral commissioners, saying such practices undermine public confidence and the will of the people.

“Stealing an election is a direct assault on democracy. Kenya must ensure citizens can participate freely, without fear, violence or repression,” he said.

Participants agreed that early preventive action, strong institutional independence and a vibrant civil society are critical to safeguarding Kenya’s democratic gains ahead of the 2027 General Election.