KHRC raises concern over Suluhu remarks on Gen Z

KHRC raises concern over Samia Suluhu's remarks on Gen Z/AI ILLUSTRATED

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has raised concern over remarks attributed to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan suggesting the use of “mikwaju” against Gen Z protesters, warning that such language risks undermining democratic space in the region, according to the commission.

The commission said Kenya’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, adding that any approach that frames civic participation as a matter for punishment undermines constitutional protections.

The debate stems from remarks made by President Suluhu during a public engagement, in which she called for coordinated action with President William Ruto to manage what she described as disruptive youth activity across the region.

“Piga mikwaju, wakija kwangu napiga mikwaju,” she said, urging what she termed as firm action against young people crossing borders to participate in protests and civic mobilisation.

In her remarks, President Suluhu said governments in the region should not take a soft approach to individuals she described as “indisciplined”, adding that coordinated responses were necessary to maintain order.

“We should not take sides. When Tanzanians come to Kenya, you discipline them; when Kenyan Gen Zs come to Tanzania, I will discipline them as well so that they are in line,” she said.

She further argued that each country should enforce its own laws firmly, particularly against individuals who engage in unlawful activities while crossing borders.

“There is no need to disagree, fight or celebrate the wrongdoings happening in our region. When that happens in Kenya, it concerns Tanzania, and we must end it,” she said.

President Suluhu also cautioned against adopting governance models she said were not aligned with regional values, arguing that democratic practice should reflect local culture and context.

“The word democracy should not spoil our country, culture and beliefs. Democracy does not have a formula. Ours has a culture and a belief that is in line with democracy,” she said.

The KHRC, however, warned that framing civic participation in terms of discipline and punishment risks normalising repression, undermining constitutional freedoms and democratic space.

In its statement, the commission said it would not accept any attempt to import coercive tactics adopt coercive approaches into Kenya’s governance system.

“We will not allow a repeat of Tanzania’s 2025 situation on Kenyan soil. Not by decree, not by force,” KHRC said, adding that such rhetoric undermines constitutional freedoms and democratic governance.

The rights body further urged regional leaders to uphold protections for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, noting that youth participation in civic life should not be criminalised.

“Constitutional rights are not negotiable, and they are not subject to suppression in the name of order,” the commission stated.

KHRC also called on leaders in the region to exercise caution in their public statements, warning that political rhetoric can shape state responses to dissent and influence public perceptions of legitimacy.

Earlier, Law Society of Kenya president Charles Kanjama warned against any suggestion that fundamental freedoms could be curtailed through executive direction or political convenience, arguing that constitutional rights remain non-negotiable.

KHRC urged regional leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements, noting that rhetoric targeting Gen Z activism risks escalating tensions and undermining trust in governance institutions.

The commission maintained that Kenya’s democratic space must remain open to all citizens, including young people, and warned against any attempt to import punitive approaches into civic engagement.