By Jeff Kizzilah
Cyprian Nyamwamu, popularly known as Mutumishi Wa Watu and an incoming Nairobi Governor hopeful, has called for urgent reforms to safeguard human rights and guarantee a free, fair, and credible general election in 2027.
Cyprian Nyamwamu, popularly known as Mutumishi Wa Watu
Speaking during the National Symposium on Human Rights and the Ballot in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities, held in Nairobi under the sub-theme “Securing Human Rights Before the Ballot: Lessons for Kenya 2027,” Nyamwamu said the conference brought together voices from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and across the African region to examine the state of democracy and electoral integrity on the continent.
“The conference we have held today was meant to critically discuss human rights and the 2027 elections. We heard experiences from Tanzania, Uganda, and other parts of Africa, and from these engagements, we identified key drivers that must be addressed if Kenya is to have a truly free election,” Nyamwamu said.
He noted that participants raised serious concern over the shrinking civic space in Kenya, warning that increased repression of opposition figures, independent political actors, and civil society organizations poses a growing threat to democracy.
“We are witnessing an increasing climate of fear. The repression of opposition leaders, independent voices, and the closing of civic space must be confronted head-on if we are to protect our democratic gains,” he stated.
Nyamwamu further condemned the politicization of police and security agencies, citing allegations of abductions, enforced disappearances, and the use of security forces to influence electoral outcomes.
“We discussed how police and security agencies are being misused to intimidate citizens and secure elections. There must be genuine independence of these institutions from executive interference,” he said.
The symposium also emphasized the critical role of election management bodies, with participants agreeing that institutional independence, strategic litigation, civic education, and mass mobilization are essential pillars for securing electoral justice.
Nyamwamu concluded by urging stakeholders—including civil society, political actors, the judiciary, and citizens—to act early and decisively to protect human rights ahead of the 2027 polls.
“If we are serious about a free and fair election in 2027, then strategic litigation, independence of institutions, and sustained civic education must begin now,” he said.
