Leaders at Devolution Conference raise alarm over suppression of dissent, rights violations
Discussions examined the current state of socio-economic, political, civil and cultural rights, aiming to identify actionable strategies that place both national and county governments at the forefront of human rights protection.
There is growing alarm among leaders that Kenya may be regressing into a period where dissent is suppressed and civil liberties are increasingly violated.
At the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, Siaya Governor James Orengo and National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo highlighted recent incidents where human rights have been violated against individuals challenging the political status quo.
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The panel, focused on the protection of human rights and social justice, also included Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa, and Rehema Jaldesa, chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission.
Discussions examined the current state of socio-economic, political, civil and cultural rights, aiming to identify actionable strategies that place both national and county governments at the forefront of human rights protection.
Orengo, a veteran human rights lawyer, acknowledged progress made under the Bill of Rights but warned of a concerning decline in respect for civil and political freedoms.
Among the rights he said are at risk are the right to life, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, and the right to peacefully assemble.
“If we examine the state of these rights over the past three years, it is evident that we are not where we ought to be. We are witnessing persistent encroachments by the state. Without the vigilance of the people, the country risks making two steps forward and one step back,” Orengo said.
Odhiambo urged that the Constitution be fully enforced to protect citizens from violations, referencing recent protests where demonstrators suffered injuries and fatalities at the hands of security agencies.
Hussein expressed alarm over corruption at the county levels, citing audit reports that expose ghost projects, unexplained spending, and mismanagement of public funds.
“Devolution holds immense promise, but it is being sabotaged by the diversion of resources into the hands of a few,” he said.
Jaldesa stressed that Kenya must strengthen equality and inclusion at all levels of government, noting the positive strides in youth, women, and persons with disabilities’ representation in county assemblies.
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