Kenya's democratic backsliding deepens ahead of 2027 election, report warns

A new human rights report warns Kenya is experiencing democratic backsliding, marked by rising police brutality, political violence, and restrictions on civil liberties ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Civic Freedoms Forum report, covering September 2025 to October 2026, cites Kenya's global freedom score falling to 49 out of 100 and a "repressed" rating from CIVICUS. It documents by-election violence, including three deaths in November 2025, and police killings, with 131 cases of violence recorded in 2025. The report also flags corruption, high living costs, and electoral preparedness concerns, including KIEMS kit malfunctions. It issues 10 demands, including ending police killings, protecting journalists, and ensuring credible elections, and will be shared with Parliament and international bodies.