By Andrew Kariuki

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama has criticised recent remarks by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan suggesting joint regional action against youth-led civic activism in East Africa.

President Suluhu made the comments on Monday during a joint address with President William Ruto at State House in Dar es Salaam, where she appeared to call for coordinated efforts to deal with Gen Z activists demanding accountability and good governance.

“There is no need to be divided, to celebrate the vices that happen on either side. If they show up in Kenya, they are ours as well, and we should jointly deal with them, and the same should be done in Tanzania,” Suluhu stated.

“The word democracy should not taint our countries and our cultures. It has no formula. Your democracy is not the same as our democracy.”

Her remarks have since sparked debate across the region, with rights groups and legal experts raising concerns over freedom of expression and civic space.

Responding to the comments, Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama said constitutional rights cannot be suppressed under the guise of maintaining order.

“Kenya’s legal framework does not permit the use of force, coercion or punitive measures against citizens for the peaceful exercise of their rights,” Kanjama said.

“Articles 27, 28 and 29 protect equality, dignity, and freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. These safeguards are absolute.”

The LSK President maintained that peaceful civic participation by young people is protected under the Constitution and warned against attempts to criminalise youth activism.

“Constitutional rights are not negotiable, and they are not subject to suppression in the name of order,” he stated.

“Any attempt to undermine these freedoms will be met with firm institutional resistance through legal, civic and regional accountability mechanisms.”

Kanjama further urged governments within the East African Community to engage constructively with citizens rather than respond through intimidation or suppression.

The exchange comes amid increasing political activism among young people across East Africa, particularly online movements pushing for transparency, accountability and governance reforms.