Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has delivered a sharp critique of the state of Kenya’s democracy, saying this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations rang hollow amid what he described as growing intimidation and suppression of free expression by state institutions.

In a statement issued on X on Friday, December 12, 2025, after the national celebrations, Natembeya said the spirit of Jamhuri Day, which marks Kenya’s independence and republican status, has been undermined by actions that go against the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. He argued that instead of celebrating dignity, freedom and justice, many Kenyans are now grappling with fear and victimisation for simply expressing their views.

The governor, who has in recent months been outspoken on governance and accountability issues, said the democratic space has shrunk to the point where dissent is treated as a punishable offence rather than a constitutional right.

He revealed that he personally felt the impact of this environment after his security detail, including his driver, was withdrawn, an action he said was meant to intimidate him into silence. Natembeya maintained that the move was not only unjustified but also unconstitutional.

“While the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, firmly guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of expression, it is disheartening that there is little to celebrate this Jamhuri Day,” Natembeya said.

He added that the climate of fear has cast a shadow over the country’s democratic gains.

“The prevailing atmosphere of intimidation and victimisation by State machinery has cast a dark shadow over our democratic space,” he said.

Natembeya said the withdrawal of his security was a direct consequence of speaking out on issues affecting the country.

“Differences in opinion and the mere act of raising legitimate concerns have been met with unconstitutional actions, most painfully, the withdrawal of my security detail, including my driver, solely because I have chosen to speak the truth and stand by my convictions,” he said.

The governor warned that such actions send a dangerous signal to citizens, especially at a time when the country should be reflecting on the sacrifices made to secure freedom.

“In a nation where citizens should freely express themselves without fear of reprisal, such actions are not only absurd but also deeply alarming,” Natembeya said.

He cautioned that intimidation erodes the foundation of democracy and dishonours the struggles of those who fought for independence.

“They erode the very spirit of our democracy and undermine the constitutional freedoms that generations before us fought so hard to secure,” he said.

Natembeya concluded by describing the situation as unacceptable, saying it diminishes the meaning of Jamhuri Day for many Kenyans.

“This is both outrageous and profoundly troubling,” he said.