Young Lawyers for Justice accuse government of undermining judiciary, enforced disappearances, and public service failures

Young Lawyers accuse government of undermining judiciary, enforced disappearances, and public service failures

The Young Lawyers Caucus led by its chairperson and Kirinyaga County MP, Njeri Maina has sharply criticized the government, accusing it of undermining judicial independence, perpetuating enforced disappearances, and neglecting vital public services. Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi, the caucus warned that the country is teetering on the brink of a democratic crisis fueled by government overreach and systemic failures.

“Kenya’s democracy is under siege,” declared Maina, her voice cutting through the tense room. “We are witnessing a systematic erosion of constitutional values, where the rule of law is being sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.”

At the heart of the caucus’s grievances is what they termed as blatant interference with Kenya’s judiciary. According to Maina, the Executive has resorted to intimidation, coercion, and open defiance of court orders, undermining the very principles that uphold Kenya’s democracy.

“The Executive is using threats and coercion to bend the will of the courts. This goes against the doctrine of separation of powers, the bedrock of our democratic system,” Maina stated.

The group warned that such actions risk eroding public trust in the judiciary, setting a dangerous precedent where the courts become subservient to political interests rather than impartial arbiters of justice

In perhaps the most chilling part of the statement, the caucus highlighted the rising cases of abductions and enforced disappearances, particularly targeting young activists and vocal government critics. They labeled these actions as tools of state oppression, aimed at silencing dissent and spreading fear.

“Abductions are not just illegal; they are crimes against humanity,” Maina asserted, referencing Article 7 of the Rome Statute and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The caucus condemned the government’s silence and inaction, calling for immediate investigations, the unconditional release of all abductees, and the prosecution of those responsible.

“No government should operate in darkness and fear its own people. When citizens disappear without a trace, democracy disappears with them,” she added.

Turning to social issues, the Young Lawyers Caucus painted a bleak picture of Kenya’s failing public services. They criticized the government’s controversial higher education funding model, describing it as discriminatory and crafted without meaningful public participation.

“A system that denies bright but underprivileged students access to education is fundamentally flawed,” said one caucus member. “Education should be a ladder out of poverty, not a privilege for the elite.”

The healthcare sector was also in the crosshairs, with the caucus decrying chronic underfunding, shortages of essential medicines, underpaid medical staff, and collapsing infrastructure.

“Our hospitals are underfunded, our doctors are overworked, and millions of Kenyans have been left to suffer,” Maina lamented. “Healthcare is a basic right, not a privilege. The government must act with urgency.”

The caucus didn’t stop at legal and social issues. They criticized the government’s punitive taxation policies and failure to address skyrocketing youth unemployment, accusing leaders of being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.

“You cannot tax a nation into prosperity while suffocating its people,” Maina declared. “The government must prioritize job creation, support local businesses, and scrap oppressive taxes that push citizens deeper into poverty.”

As the presser drew to a close, the Young Lawyers Caucus issued a powerful call to action. They urged fellow professionals, civil society groups, and ordinary Kenyans to rise in defense of democracy.

“The time for impunity is over,” Maina declared passionately. “We will not stand by as our democracy crumbles, our youth disappear, and our people suffer. The government must act now or we, the people, will hold them accountable.”

The caucus’s strong stance reflects a growing wave of dissatisfaction among Kenya’s young legal minds, signaling the emergence of a new generation of leaders determined to uphold constitutionalism, human rights, and justice.