The Kenya Court of Appeal recently ruled the government’s 2023 Finance Act unconstitutional, hampering President William Ruto’s plans to implement tax increases. This adds to a string of legal defeats for the government, including the nullification of the 2017 election and rejection of the Building Bridges Initiative in 2021.
Kenya’s judicial system has shown a willingness to challenge government decisions and protect citizen rights, marking a shift towards a rules-based regime. This evolution stems from the country’s history of civic organizing, ideological battles, and resistance against authoritarian rule.
Despite ongoing political challenges, Kenya stands out as a beacon of legal activism in Africa, embodying a new era of judicial independence and citizen empowerment. The country’s unique path to democracy sets it apart from its regional counterparts, offering a glimpse into a future where the rule of law prevails over political interests.
Charles Onyango-Obbo is a journalist, writer, and curator of the “Wall of Great Africans”. Twitter@cobbo3