Nairobi, Kenya – July 2, 2025 – The Democracy Forum 2025 opened with bold and timely conversations on the state of civic space, governance, and democratic expression across East Africa. Organized by ICJ Kenya in partnership with the Innovation Foundation for Democracy and other stakeholders, the day featured four robust panel sessions, each tackling urgent themes shaping democratic trajectories in the region.
Civic Freedoms Under Threat
In the day’s opening session, titled “Balancing Public Order and Constitutional Freedoms: A Candid Conversation on Safeguarding East Africa’s Civic Space,” panelists examined the growing tension between state control and citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and expression. The discussion was moderated by legal scholar and governance expert Lucianna Thuo, and featured:
- Christine Nkonge, Constitutional Lawyer and Governance Expert
- Njeri Kabeberi, Director, Chapter Four Programs and Projects Ltd.
- Grace Wangechi, Executive Director, Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU)
Panelists warned that crackdowns on peaceful protests and the erosion of civic space threaten the very fabric of democratic governance in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The session underscored the urgent need for legal reforms and stronger civil society protections.
Justice as a Pillar of Democracy
The second session, moderated by Valentine Khaminwa, an international law expert, explored the role of justice in democratic state-building. The panel, titled “Justice, Rule of Law and Democracy: What Place Does Justice Play as a Principle, Value and Institution Today?”, brought together leading legal minds:
- Justice Alfred Mavedzenge, Africa Judges and Jurists Forum
- Evans Ogada, Chair of the Democracy and Governance Committee, East Africa Law Society; Law Lecturer at University of Nairobi; ICJ Kenya Member
- Julie Wayua Matheka, Programme Manager, ICJ Kenya
Speakers emphasized that without independent and accessible justice systems, democratic gains remain fragile. They called for reinforcing rule-of-law institutions and ensuring that the judiciary remains an impartial guardian of constitutional rights.
Art as a Democratic Lens
In a departure from traditional discourse, the third panel focused on art and digital storytelling as tools of democratic engagement. Titled “Between Activism and Artivism: How Art Judges Democracy, Secretes Discourses on Democracy, and Invents Forms of Democratic Expression in Africa,” the session was moderated by Chelimo Njoroge of ForumCiv and featured:
- Godfrey “GADO” Mwampembwa, Renowned Cartoonist, Tanzania
- Justine Wanda, Digital Creator, Kenya
- Humphrey Sipalla, Lecturer, Kabarak University
From satire to social media activism, panelists showcased how creative expression continues to play a critical role in pushing boundaries, challenging state narratives, and encouraging civic participation—particularly among youth.
Centering Women in Democracy
The final session of the day addressed the gender gap in governance and democratic inclusion. Moderated by Damaris Kemunto, Programme Officer at ICJ Kenya, the panel “Gender, Feminism, and the Inclusion of Women in Governance and Democracy Building in East Africa” highlighted the structural barriers women face, as well as the need for transformative feminist leadership. The panelists included:
- Samia El Hashmi, Women’s Rights Advocate
- Sarah Kasande, International Center for Transitional Justice
- Dr. Antoinette Kankindi, Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University Law School
- Anne Ireri, Executive Director
Speakers called for the dismantling of patriarchal systems that hinder women’s full participation in political and civic life and emphasized that no democracy is complete without gender equality at its core.
As East Africa continues to face complex challenges to democratic governance, the Democracy Forum 2025 served as a space for reflection, resistance, and renewal. From courtrooms to canvases, and from policy tables to protest lines, the forum affirmed that the fight for democracy is alive, and being led by thinkers, artists, feminists, and advocates across the region.
