NAIROBI, Kenya — The Justice and Equity Council (JEC) has issued a scathing critique of Kenya’s political leadership, accusing it of deepening corruption, inequality, and repression while warning that public anger is nearing a breaking point.
In a statement released on October 27, the civil rights lobby said Kenya’s founding vision of justice and prosperity had been “betrayed by a political class addicted to greed and deceit.”
“The government that promised economic revival and integrity has become a nightmare,” the statement reads. “Parliament has turned into a marketplace where votes are traded for cash and contracts.”
The JEC described the current administration as a “grotesque display of arrogance and contempt for the people”, accusing it of weaponising state institutions and eroding public trust.
It also faulted county leaders for mirroring national dysfunction, saying governors were acting like “miniature monarchs ruling through intimidation and handouts.”
“The same rot has spread across devolved units,” the group noted. “Meanwhile, the opposition has abandoned its watchdog role for handshakes and backroom deals.”
The council expressed alarm at the widening gap between the political elite and ordinary citizens, citing collapsing public services as evidence of systemic failure.
“Hospitals are cash-strapped, universities are closing, and schools lack basic funding for poor children,” JEC said, blaming the crisis on mismanagement and misplaced spending priorities.
Despite its grim assessment, the council struck a note of optimism, invoking Kenya’s long tradition of civic resistance and reform.
“The same spirit that fought for independence and democracy still lives on,” the statement said. “The pain of corruption, over-taxation, and impunity may soon awaken that spirit again.”
JEC warned that growing disillusionment could spark a wave of civic resistance, declaring:
“There will be a reckoning. The political class may not see it coming, but the giant is stirring — slowly but surely.”
