ICJ Kenya and BAKE Convene Citizen Assembly on Elections and Freedom of Expression

International Commission of Jurist (ICJ) Kenya and  Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has Convene a Citizen Assembly on Elections and Freedom of Expression with an aim of Exploring them Ahead of Polls.

As the country approaches the next electoral cycle, stakeholders are intensifying conversations around the balance between free expression and responsible civic engagement, with a focus on helping citizens better understand their constitutional rights and legal boundaries during elections.

The citizen assembly brought together legal experts, digital rights advocates, and members of the public to examine the intersection of elections and freedom of expression in an increasingly digital political landscape.

The forum was facilitated by constitutional lawyer Evans Ogada, who guided discussions beyond campaign best practices to focus on constitutional provisions, the legal limitations to freedom of expression, and how these apply during electoral periods.

Organisers noted that as the nation navigates complex electoral reforms and heightened regulation of online spaces, conversations about free speech and democratic accountability are becoming more urgent. The assembly aimed to bridge the gap between policy frameworks and the lived realities of citizens engaging in online discourse, often at the frontline of political conversations.

Participants were encouraged to view freedom of expression not as an absolute right, but as one exercised within the rule of law particularly during elections, when misinformation, hate speech, and unlawful content can undermine democratic processes.

The initiative reflects growing efforts to foster informed, lawful participation and ensure that civic engagement both offline and online strengthens rather than destabilises electoral integrity.