Steve Biko

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @OkoaUchumi_KE @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya True democracy demands openness, not fear. @IEBCKenya must uphold the right of citizens to question, observe, and document elections without intimidation. Silencing oversight only deepens mistrust. Accountability builds trust. #UshenziKE

The right of Kenyans to demand accountability, transparency, and credibility in electoral processes must never be criminalised. Citizens are not enemies of democracy for documenting irregularities or acting as independent election observers. While protecting ballot secrecy is important, the @IEBCKenya under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and the Commission must be careful not to create fear around legitimate public oversight of elections. Criminalising constitutional freedoms is the beginning of undermining electoral justice, transparency, and public trust in Kenya’s democracy. A free and fair election thrives on openness, accountability, and citizen confidence , not intimidation. #UshenziKE @IEBCKenya

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @thekhrc At the end of it all. Strong oversight institutions, transparent reporting, and real consequences for misuse of funds are critical for rebuilding trust in governance. #CostOfJusticeKE @UraiaTrust

What mechanisms are needed to ensure openness and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds to strengthen public trust in governance institutions? #CostOfJusticeKE

Kenya continues to experience growing public concern over the rising cost of living, high taxation, unemployment, and increasing pressure on public resources. In this context, questions around how taxpayer money is spent across government institutions have become central to national debates on governance, accountability, and public trust. Within this environment, the ongoing legal dispute on judicial car grants and judges’ allowances (Civil Appeal No. E533 of 2024 – Salaries & Remuneration Commission v Gachuiri & 3 Others [2026] KECA 692 (KLR)) has intensified public discussion on public expenditure, constitutional oversight, and institutional accountability. The case stems from historical benefit arrangements that evolved from pre-2010 duty-free vehicle schemes into progressively increased car grants for judges, raising questions about how such benefits are determined and regulated under the Constitution. The matter has highlighted the role of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), which is constitutionally mandated to set and review remuneration for state officers. It has also raised broader concerns about institutional coordination, oversight gaps, and adherence to constitutional processes in approving public sector benefits. At the same time, the case has sparked a national conversation on judicial independence, separation of powers, and public confidence in constitutional institutions. While judicial independence remains a foundational principle of democracy, there is increasing public demand for transparency and accountability in how taxpayer-funded benefits are managed, especially in a difficult economic period. For many citizens, this issue goes beyond legal interpretation, it reflects deeper questions about national priorities. With essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment creation under strain, there is growing scrutiny over whether public spending decisions reflect the urgent needs of ordinary Kenyans. However, it is equally important that this conversation is conducted in a balanced manner that respects constitutional institutions and safeguards judicial independence, while still allowing for legitimate public scrutiny and civic engagement. The #CostOfJusticeKE campaign is a citizen-driven initiative aimed at fostering informed national dialogue on judicial benefits, public expenditure, and constitutional accountability. It seeks to empower citizens to critically engage with how public resources are allocated and to raise important questions about fairness, transparency, and governance priorities. The campaign encourages Kenyans to interrogate key issues such as: 1. How are benefits for state officers determined and reviewed? 2. Are current accountability and oversight systems effective and transparent? 3. How should Kenya balance judicial independence with public accountability? 4. What impact do such cases have on public trust in institutions? 5. How can citizens play a stronger role in shaping public expenditure decisions? This campaign is not just about judicial allowances,it is about strengthening accountability, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that public resources are used in the best interest of citizens. Join the conversation under #CostOfJusticeKE as we build a national dialogue on governance, public finance, and constitutional accountability. Together, let’s amplify citizen voices, strengthen trust in public institutions, and demand responsible use of public resources. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @thekhrc Kenya needs stronger transparency rules, public audits, open procurement systems, and timely disclosure of benefits funded by taxpayers. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @thekhrc Accountability improves when institutions publish spending records clearly and allow independent oversight without resistance or delay. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @thekhrc Public trust depends on openness. Citizens should know how public funds are spent, who benefits, and what value is delivered. #CostOfJusticeKE

@NiWainaina_ @Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE An informed and vocal public is essential for fiscal discipline. Silence allows waste and weakens democratic oversight. #CostOfJusticeKE @nisisikenya

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE Public participation is not a formality. When citizens attend forums, submit written views and engage county and national processes, they influence priorities on spending and service delivery before decisions are finalized. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE Democracy works best when taxpayers actively question how public money is allocated and whether spending reflects national priorities. #CostOfJusticeKE @UraiaTrust @nisisikenya

What role can citizens play in demanding accountability, shaping governance decisions, and ensuring prudent use of public resources across all arms of government?#CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE Public accountability does not end at elections. Citizens have the right to monitor budgets, challenge waste, and demand value for taxes paid. #CostOfJusticeKE @UraiaTrust @nisisikenya

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE Citizens must demand transparency through public participation, civic action, budget oversight, and consistent pressure for responsible spending. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 When citizens face economic hardship, excessive benefits for state officers risk eroding trust in fairness and equal justice. #CostOfJusticeKE

@NiWainaina_ @Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 Public perception matters in governance. When leaders appear insulated from economic realities, trust in fairness and justice declines. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 Even when benefits are lawful, fairness is judged through social comparison. If citizens perceive that rules are applied differently depending on position, confidence in equal treatment under the law begins to weaken. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 Citizens struggling with taxes and unemployment will naturally question why public officials continue receiving high value privileges. #CostOfJusticeKE

How do high-value state benefits affect perceptions of equality before the law, especially among citizens facing economic hardship? #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 Lavish state benefits during economic hardship deepen the perception that there are different rules for leaders and ordinary citizens. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 Equality before the law should also be reflected in how public resources are shared. Excessive benefits damage the sense of fairness in society. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 Trust grows when constitutional institutions uphold transparency, publish their decisions openly, and demonstrate prudent use of public resources. #CostOfJusticeKE

Transparency is not optional in public service. I agree that Institutions build credibility when they publish spending decisions and accept public scrutiny. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 Strong institutions are not protected by secrecy. They are protected by integrity, openness, and consistent accountability to the public. #CostOfJusticeKE @UraiaTrust @nisisikenya

How can Kenya strengthen trust in constitutional institutions while ensuring they remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to citizens’ needs? #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 Trust grows when institutions explain decisions openly, manage resources responsibly, and show respect for citizens facing economic hardship. #CostOfJusticeKE @nisisikenya @UraiaTrust

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 Citizens support institutions they believe are fair and accountable. Silence and secrecy create suspicion and weaken public confidence. #CostOfJusticeKE @UraiaTrust @nisisikenya

@AudreyMhavi @Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TISAKenya @TIKenya @OkoaUchumi_KE @Pawa254 Public finance works on precedent. Expanding luxury benefits across institutions risks ballooning recurrent expenditure without improving service delivery. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TISAKenya @TIKenya @OkoaUchumi_KE @Pawa254 We demand financial displine to counter this risk and limit the citizens burden on taxpayers in this difficult times in Kenya #CostOfJusticeKE