Presidential Aspirant Dr. Reuben Kigame Issues Stern Warning to East African Leaders Over Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance

 

 Presidential aspirant Dr. Reuben Kigame has issued a forceful and unprecedented warning to East African leaders, urging them to respect the democratic will of their citizens or face “united removal” by the people. Speaking from his Eldoret office, Dr. Kigame condemned what he described as decades of oppression, exploitation, and systematic abuse of power by political elites in the region, warning that citizens will no longer tolerate governments that prioritize personal enrichment and foreign interests over human dignity, justice, and development.

The statement singled out Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, calling for her immediate resignation and the release of all political prisoners, including Tundu Lissu, the main opposition leader, and his deputy. According to Dr. Kigame, Tanzania’s ruling government has repeatedly violated the rights of citizens by suppressing dissent, arresting opposition figures, and using state machinery to stifle democratic expression.

“The people of Africa are fed up with leaders who reduce citizens to beggarly subjects of manipulation and willful destruction. The time for empty promises and sham governance is over,” Dr. Kigame declared.

Accusations of Regional Abuses and Corruption

Dr. Kigame’s statement goes beyond Tanzania, highlighting similar abuses across East Africa. He accused leaders in Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of misusing public resources, exploiting foreign aid, and oppressing citizens to secure personal and political gain.

Specific examples cited in his statement include:

• Uganda: Opposition figures like Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine have been repeatedly detained, beaten, and persecuted for demanding political reform and democratic accountability. Dr. Kigame condemned the cross-border arrest of Besigye on Kenyan soil in collaboration with local authorities.

• Kenya: He criticized the endorsement by President William Ruto of undemocratic elections in neighboring countries, describing it as an alignment with forces undermining democracy in the region.

• Tanzania: He highlighted the arrests of Tundu Lissu and his deputy on charges of treason, merely for advocating democratic leadership, labeling the actions a “massacre of dissent.”

• Sudan & DRC: Dr. Kigame accused foreign interests of fueling conflicts and exploiting natural resources, noting that regional instability is exacerbated by leaders prioritizing personal gain over citizens’ safety and well-being.

He also criticized African institutions, including the African Union (AU), for failing to hold leaders accountable, arguing that these organizations have too often sided with governments that violate democratic principles, human rights, and social justice.

“This is a red card to all players, local and foreign, who continue to treat our nations as playgrounds for political and economic games. Enough is enough. Time is up,” he warned.

A Call for Political Prisoners’ Release and Fresh Elections

Dr. Kigame demanded the immediate release of political prisoners in Tanzania, Uganda, and other East African nations. He called for a fresh, inclusive, and democratic election in Tanzania, warning that failure to respect the will of citizens could trigger mobilization by millions of East Africans to defend democracy.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan should vacate office, and opposition leaders jailed for demanding democracy should be released immediately. East Africans will no longer allow governments to usurp their rights and freedoms,” he said.

He specifically criticized Tanzanian security agencies responsible for violent suppression of dissent, demanding that officers involved be held accountable.

The Historical Context: Colonial Legacy and Artificial Borders

A key part of Dr. Kigame’s message focused on the artificial borders imposed during the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, when European powers carved Africa into colonies without regard for ethnic, cultural, or political realities. He urged citizens to transcend these imposed divisions, arguing that true East African unity is essential to end exploitation and ensure equitable governance.

“There will no longer be Kenyan Maasai and Tanzanian Maasai, Kenyan Luo and Tanzanian Luo, Kenyan Chaga and Tanzanian Chaga, Ugandan Teso and Kenyan Teso. We are one people. Our borders and resources must serve the people, not oppress them,” he said.

Dr. Kigame stressed that the East African Federation — a vision championed by founding fathers like Jomo Kenyatta and Julius Nyerere — should be realized not through elite negotiations or foreign intervention, but through the collective will of the people.

Economic Exploitation and Resource Plunder

Dr. Kigame condemned the privatization of national assets, foreign-backed land grabs, and the looting of minerals and natural resources across the region. He claimed that governments in collusion with foreign investors have exploited East African citizens while enriching themselves and foreign elites.

“We will no longer tolerate the theft of our wealth under the guise of public-private partnerships, conservancy projects, tourism, humanitarian aid, or research. Recolonization by foreign powers and their local proxies ends now,” he stated.

He highlighted the need for resource sovereignty, arguing that oil, minerals, agricultural land, forests, and water resources must benefit local populations rather than foreign corporations or corrupt political elites.

Vision for a United and Democratic East Africa

Dr. Kigame painted a vision of a united East Africa, where citizens exercise full democratic rights, borders are symbolic rather than restrictive, and governance is accountable, transparent, and people-centered.

“No army or police force is stronger than the unity of the people. From this day forward, we will act as one to protect East Africa from continued exploitation. Our collective strength will ensure that democracy, justice, and human dignity prevail,” he said.

He urged the international community to respect the sovereignty and democratic choices of East African citizens, warning that regional stability and prosperity depend on justice, equality, and responsible governance.

Political Implications for 2027

Dr. Kigame is positioning himself as a reformist candidate for Kenya’s 2027 presidency under the Utu (Human Dignity), Haki (Justice), and Maadili (Values) platform. His campaign emphasizes governance reform, anti-corruption measures, citizen empowerment, and regional integration. Analysts suggest that his strong stance on East African unity and accountability could resonate with young voters and citizens frustrated by entrenched political elites.

“The revolution to reclaim East Africa is underway, and I am honored to be alive to actively champion it,” Dr. Kigame concluded.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

While it remains to be seen how leaders in Tanzania, Uganda, and other nations will respond, Dr. Kigame’s statement has already sparked discussions online and among political analysts about the limits of citizen power versus state authority. Observers note that such a bold stance may energize reformist movements across the region while simultaneously drawing criticism from entrenched political elites.

Dr. Kigame has pledged to follow up this statement with a series of public engagements and regional consultations aimed at mobilizing citizens to demand accountable governance and safeguard democracy in East Africa.