By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticized recent remarks attributed to Suluhu Hassan, warning that any coordinated regional effort to suppress youth-led civic expression would undermine constitutional freedoms and democratic gains across East Africa.
In a statement, LSK President Charles Kanjama said such sentiments raise “grave constitutional and rule of law concerns” within the East African Community.
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“The Constitution of Kenya is unequivocal. It guarantees freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly… These are not concessions from the State; they are protected rights,” Kanjama stated.
He emphasized that demands for accountability and transparency cannot be criminalized, adding that Kenya’s legal framework does not permit the use of force or punitive measures against citizens exercising their rights.
“Constitutional rights are not negotiable, and they are not subject to suppression in the name of order,” he said, warning that any attempt to undermine these freedoms would face “firm institutional resistance.”
Adding her voice, immediate former LSK President Faith Odhiambo delivered a scathing rebuke, describing the reported stance as a dangerous shift away from democratic principles.
“When two heads of state meet to discuss how to whip and discipline citizens demanding accountability, we’ve crossed from democracy into dictatorship,” she said.
Odhiambo dismissed efforts to label civic action as disorder, insisting that protest is a constitutional right.
“The audacity to frame calls for good governance as notorious behaviour that must be tamed is an insult to every freedom our constitutions guarantee,” she added.
She maintained that citizens would continue to defend their rights, declaring: “We will not be silenced. We will not be beaten into submission. The Constitution is our shield.”
The LSK has now called on regional governments, including that of President William Ruto, to uphold constitutional norms, respect civic space, and engage citizens through dialogue rather than force.
