In his book Africa, The Politics of Suffering and Smiling, Patrick Chabal addresses violence’s consequences: the degradation of the human body, collapse of shared values, and breakdown of social order.

These processes of dehumanisation manifest clearly across East African states, where political leaders exploit their monopoly on state resources, supporting impunity, corruption, and abuse of the rule of law. 

On 16 November 2024, Kiza Besigye was forcibly removed from an apartment in Nairobi. The silence from Kenyan authorities, particularly the President, was alarmingly troubling.

Such harsh and unapologetic political cruelty, both in Kenya and Uganda, is reminiscent of slavery’s brutality and remains inexcusable.

Similarly, the attempted abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai on January 12, 2025, received a muted response from the Kenyan government, with no indication of concern for visitors’ safety. 

The East African Community Treaty commits partner states to uphold good governance principles, including democracy, rule of law, accountability, transparency, and human rights protection.

However, there has been significant abdication of these principles, evidenced by high impunity levels in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Leadership appears to disregard universal declarations promoting human rights, favouring political expediency that fosters authoritarianism. 

Seven months after Besigye’s deportation, unfortunate events unfolded in Tanzania involving Counsel Martha Karua, Chief Justice Emeritus Willy Mutunga, Law Society of Kenya representatives, and other civil society leaders.

These incidents highlighted serious concerns about democracy’s erosion.

It is shameful that countries priding themselves on international community membership betray the very democratic principles that helped bring them to power. 

These three countries have ratified important international instruments and are UN members committed to human rights principles.

However, fear of democratic development’s repercussions permeates their governance. In Tanzania, observing court processes involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu has become punishable.

Expressing support for Bobi Wine instils fear in those holding power. 

It is unacceptable for East African governments to limit civic engagement spaces where speech, opinion, assembly, worship, and association should thrive.

We cannot reach East Africa’s Vision 2050, Africa’s Agenda 2063, or global sustainable development goals under such conditions.

Leaders elected on democratic principles intentionally undermine the social contract that brought them to power. 

The African Union and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights must condemn blatant rule of law abuse and collaborate with East and Central Africans in combating the growing injustice culture.

There is a humble request from voices of reason for international community partnerships with local civil society to safeguard this fragile liberation platform. 

The attack on diverse voices, particularly youth within a political landscape supported by legal intimidation, identity profiling, hate speech, and negative labelling, can only marginalise the majority already living on society’s fringes.

This creates division between those favoured and disfavoured by law, leading to rifts in democratic values between oppressors and the oppressed. 

The writer is the Executive Director of the International Commission of Jurists, Kenyan Section (ICJ Kenya)