President William Samoei Ruto on Friday told United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders that the party has remained faithful to its 2022 manifesto, delivering on promises to transform Kenya and improve citizens’ lives.
Speaking at a UDA National Governing Council meeting at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said the government has invested in agriculture, expanded access to affordable credit, created employment opportunities, and advanced universal healthcare. “The people of Kenya entrusted us with a vision, and we have delivered page by page, chapter by chapter,” he said, urging collaboration with other leaders and parties to build a more cohesive and united nation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, party governors, MPs, and MCAs, who were updated on progress in implementing the manifesto commitments.
However, civil society groups in Kenya have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing erosion of democratic space under the Ruto administration. Human rights organisations, faith-based leaders, and advocacy coalitions have criticised alleged abuses, including crackdowns on protests, disappearances, and intimidation of activists.
Groups such as CIVICUS and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have called for the release of detained protesters and urged authorities to uphold constitutional rights. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops described the situation as a moral crisis, demanding accountability for killings and enforced disappearances linked to recent demonstrations.
Civil society coalitions also highlighted concerns over the ethnicisation of public appointments, interference in independent institutions, and disregard for court orders, warning that continued suppression of civic freedoms could undermine national cohesion. While some government officials have pointed to legal reforms to support civil society and partnerships for inclusive development, advocacy groups argue these measures fall short of addressing systemic governance challenges.
The warnings come ahead of planned national protests, signalling deepening tension between citizens’ groups and the state over the protection of rights and the rule of law.
