Kenya's recent crackdown on anti-government protests has cast doubt on its democratic credentials. The killing of at least 10 demonstrators amid efforts to ban live media coverage marks a sharp turn from its progressive image, drawing comparisons with its authoritarian-leaning neighbors, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Standard newspaper’s “Rogue Regime” headline captured public outrage after youths marked the anniversary of 2024’s anti-tax demonstrations—only to be met by armored vehicles and police repression.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed the protests as an “attempted coup,” lauding police “restraint.” In contrast, the Law Society of Kenya condemned the response as “unnecessary aggression and brute force,” especially after blogger Albert Ojwang died in custody from assault wounds.

A Pattern Across the Region

Kenya's trajectory appears to mirror Uganda and Tanzania’s recent political trends. Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in detention, facing a possible death sentence on treason charges. His party, Chadema, has been barred from elections after refusing to sign a government-imposed code of conduct.

In Uganda, opposition figure Kizza Besigye has been in custody since November, accused of plotting to overthrow the government. His dramatic disappearance in Nairobi and reappearance in a Ugandan military court underscores growing fears of cross-border suppression. Uganda claims he was detained in cooperation with Kenyan intelligence—an assertion Kenya initially denied.

Transnational Crackdowns and Abductions

Critics warn that East African security services are now colluding. Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai was abducted in Nairobi by armed men who demanded access to her phone, citing her criticism of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Tsehai accused them of assault and attempted data extraction.

More than 80 Kenyans have been abducted in the past year by unidentified individuals, according to rights groups. Kenya, once viewed as a sanctuary for regional dissidents, is no longer seen as a safe haven.

“This is not just a national issue,” said Kenyan human rights lawyer Martha Karua. “We are staring at a regional crisis – not of trade or economics, but of democracy itself.”

International Silence and Regional Solidarity

Despite growing outcry, international responses have been muted. Karua criticized the African Union for its silence, and accused the UN and U.S. of offering only “rhetoric – not redress.”

Kenya’s President William Ruto, rather than confronting allegations of abuse, issued an apology to Tanzania for “any wrongdoing,” a move that some analysts interpreted as an attempt to ease diplomatic tensions ahead of Tanzania’s elections.

Activists like Boniface Mwangi, who accused Tanzanian authorities of sexual torture during his detention, insist the trend must be confronted collectively. “If these people are united in oppressing their citizens, then we must be united in fighting to remove them from power,” he said.