Justice and Freedom Party raises alarm over damaging statements by leaders

Justice and Freedom party leader Dr. Justus Juma speaking during the National Delegates Congress at ACK guest house, Nairobi, on November 11, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI

The Justice and Freedom Party of Kenya has cautioned that the country is steadily losing its international standing due to what it terms as irresponsible and inflammatory remarks made by some national leaders.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi after the party’s National Delegates Congress, party leader Dr. Justus Juma said the emerging trend of leaders issuing reckless statements on sensitive local and global matters is hurting Kenya’s global image.

Juma said the party is deeply concerned by the growing culture of public figures making insensitive comments that appear to condone undemocratic practices.

He criticised leaders who seem to defend the suppression of citizens seeking fair electoral processes in neighbouring countries.

According to him, a country that has long positioned itself as a champion for democratic governance in Africa cannot afford to look the other way when basic freedoms are under threat.

“Kenya is gradually losing international respect due to careless, reckless, and damaging statements made on both local and global matters,” Juma said. “We condemn illegal detentions and the usurping of the people's will in our region. True democracy cannot coexist with intimidation and bloodshed.”

His remarks follow recent comments by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu to take action against Kenyan activists who he claimed were exporting “bad manners” by engaging in the domestic political affairs of neighbouring states.

Cherargei argued that while Kenyans share deep social and economic ties within the East African Community, this does not extend to interfering in political processes.

“The Kenyan activists who export ‘bad manners’ of interference with the local politics to our neighbouring countries must stop immediately,” Cherargei said on Monday.

He went further to appeal directly to the two presidents, urging them to punish any activist found meddling in their internal affairs.

“If you get any busybody activists who want to destabilise the sovereignty, peace, and tranquility of your country, finya hao warudishe nyumbani tuwamalizie,” he said.

Juma criticised such sentiments, noting that leaders must never applaud sham elections nor issue empty congratulatory messages when families are grieving and activists face treason charges for advocating for electoral reforms.

He argued that responsible leadership demands standing with citizens who seek justice, not aligning with oppressive actions that deny people their democratic rights.

He urged Kenyans to exercise clear judgment as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.

Juma called on voters to prioritise visionary leaders and reject corrupt or incompetent figures who have contributed to the country’s challenges.

“Your vote is the only tool you have to shape our nation's future,” he said. “Do not lament about bad leadership if you ignore visionary candidates. Re-electing corrupt or incompetent leaders only invites more suffering.”