In a recent opinion piece, columnist Lawi Sultan expressed concern that Kenya is edging towards a sovereign republic where citizens fear the government rather than the other way around. Citing a quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, Sultan argued that when the people fear the government, tyranny prevails. He noted that Kenya is not yet an autocracy but warned that the direction of travel is visible.
Sultan cited several examples of state coercion, including the interception of a media house associate editor by armed men, the use of tear gas at political rallies, and the abduction and enforced disappearance of critics. These incidents, he argued, form a pattern that constrains citizens' ability to organize freely. The columnist also criticized civil society organizations and their funders for shying away from sustained support for independent, citizen-led initiatives.
The columnist accused corporate bodies of being cautious in their public statements, stressing peace, stability, and the need to protect jobs and investment. He noted that private channels of influence with the executive remain open and active, but rarely do major commercial entities align openly with citizens, fearing regulatory scrutiny or informal retaliation. This dual posture of public reticence versus private access has consequences that outlast any single crisis.
Sultan argued that the decision by civil society and business to prioritize short-term institutional survival over long-term citizen capacity functions as acquiescence. This, he claimed, narrows the space in which popular sovereignty can be exercised and teaches citizens that organized power is unreliable when needed most. The columnist warned that the executive can operate with fewer independent counterweights, allowing tyranny to advance.
The columnist emphasized that Kenya is not yet a closed autocracy, with elections still approaching and courts still functioning. However, he warned that every time civil society and corporate Kenya choose the safety of stakeholder tables over the risk of standing with citizen-led efforts, they help tilt the balance further towards tyranny. Sultan urged citizens to be wary of a government that does not fear them.
Sultan's concerns come ahead of the 2027 election, which is 320 days away. The columnist's article has sparked a national conversation about the state of democracy in Kenya and the role of civil society and the private sector in promoting or undermining it. As the country prepares for the election, Sultan's warnings are likely to resonate with citizens and policymakers alike.
The issue has raised questions about the balance between stability and liberty in Kenya. While some argue that stability is crucial for economic growth and development, others contend that liberty and citizen participation are essential for a healthy democracy. As Kenya navigates this complex issue, Sultan's article serves as a timely reminder of the importance of protecting citizen rights and promoting accountability.
Key points
- The columnist warns that Kenya is drifting towards tyranny, citing increased state coercion and citizen fear ahead of the 2027 election.
