LSK Raises Alarm Over Regional Push to Curb Youth Civic Expression

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly criticised recent remarks by Samia Suluhu Hassan suggesting coordinated regional measures to suppress youth-led civic expression, warning that such proposals threaten constitutional freedoms and the rule of law across East Africa.

In a statement issued by the president Charles Kanjama, the LSK said the comments raise “grave constitutional concerns” within the East African Community (EAC), whose member states are bound by shared commitments to democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law.

The lawyers’ body pointed to the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly under Articles 33, 36 and 37.
It emphasised that these rights are not privileges granted by the State but fundamental protections that underpin democracy.

“Demands for accountability, transparency and respect for human rights cannot be characterised as disorder,” the statement said. “They are an essential feature of constitutional democracy.”

The LSK further warned that Kenya’s legal framework does not permit the use of force, coercion or punitive action against citizens engaging in peaceful civic activity.
It cited constitutional protections on equality, human dignity and freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment as safeguards that cannot be overridden by political directives.

Rejecting any attempt to limit freedoms through executive action or regional coordination, the Society insisted that constitutional rights are non-negotiable and must be upheld regardless of political considerations.

The statement comes amid growing debate in the region over how governments should respond to increasingly organised youth movements using digital platforms and street protests to demand accountability and reforms.

LSK called on governments within the EAC to respect constitutional norms and engage constructively with citizens rather than resorting to repression.

“The appropriate response to citizen engagement is dialogue, not deterrence,” Kanjama said.

The Society reiterated its commitment to defending constitutionalism and civic space, warning that any attempts to undermine fundamental freedoms would face legal and institutional challenges.