Kenya faces growing concerns about democracy as government forces kill protesters and arrest critics. Police shot dead at least 10 people during recent demonstrations against President William Ruto. Security officers also banned live television coverage of the protests. Human rights lawyers say Kenya risks losing its status as East Africa's most democratic nation. The country has traditionally inspired activists from neighboring Uganda and Tanzania.
Police arrested blogger Albert Ojwang for criticizing officers and he died from assault wounds during detention. Street vendors and protesters face violence from security forces during peaceful gatherings. Government critics have disappeared from their homes without explanation. More than 80 Kenyans vanished during the past year after unidentified people took them away. Opposition leaders worry these abductions represent a new strategy to silence dissent.
Security agencies from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania appear to work together against political opponents. Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye disappeared from Nairobi and appeared days later in a Ugandan military court. Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai escaped after armed men grabbed her in Kenya's capital. Both incidents suggest cross-border cooperation to capture government critics.
Kenya once served as a safe place for activists from across the region. Tanzania deported Kenyan human rights workers who tried to support local opposition figures. President Ruto apologized to Tanzania after his citizens caused diplomatic problems. Regional experts say all three countries face a democracy crisis rather than economic troubles.
Police arrested blogger Albert Ojwang for criticizing officers and he died from assault wounds during detention. Street vendors and protesters face violence from security forces during peaceful gatherings. Government critics have disappeared from their homes without explanation. More than 80 Kenyans vanished during the past year after unidentified people took them away. Opposition leaders worry these abductions represent a new strategy to silence dissent.
Security agencies from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania appear to work together against political opponents. Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye disappeared from Nairobi and appeared days later in a Ugandan military court. Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai escaped after armed men grabbed her in Kenya's capital. Both incidents suggest cross-border cooperation to capture government critics.
Kenya once served as a safe place for activists from across the region. Tanzania deported Kenyan human rights workers who tried to support local opposition figures. President Ruto apologized to Tanzania after his citizens caused diplomatic problems. Regional experts say all three countries face a democracy crisis rather than economic troubles.
