Nairobi, Kenya ; Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa have strongly criticized the government’s handling of ongoing protests, accusing it of promoting impunity, state violence, and blatant constitutional violations.
Speaking to the media outside the Holy Family Basilica on Wednesday morning, the leaders reaffirmed their solidarity with the Gen Z-led demonstrations and announced plans to commemorate those killed during past protests.
Reflecting on the events of 2023, Musyoka said, “Back then, we were not even allowed to gather in churches like we are today. We thank the Catholic Church for standing with the people.” He drew a sharp comparison between Kenya and Haiti, warning, “You cannot let gangs run the streets while the police work alongside them. We will not let Kenya descend into lawlessness.”
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The Wiper Party leader condemned what he termed unconstitutional abductions and illegal arrests of protest leaders. “It is evil to abduct citizens without legal warrants. We must reject this and pursue justice through the courts,” he said.
In a symbolic move, Musyoka declared June 25 as Youth Transparency Day, applauding the courage of young Kenyans demanding government accountability.
“It’s remarkable how a single youth post can shake the highest levels of power,” he noted, emphasizing the impact of social media in mobilizing peaceful civic action.
Recalling the deadly 2023 protests, Musyoka said, “We lost about 60 lives. They were buried across the country. I myself was nearly killed in Mathare and even placed under house arrest.” He shared the moving story of a young protester named Brian, “He had just finished school and was saving to build his mother a house. His story is one among many heartbreaking losses.”
Turning to the current protests, Musyoka criticized the government’s response, stating, “In 2024, young people once again marched peacefully ; with nothing but bottles of water. Today, we gather to honour them.”
He also demanded transparency on unresolved scandals, saying, “We still need answers on the Mbolea subsidy saga and the Adani deals. Who paid what? They think we are weak ; but bado hawajaona.”
Former Defence Cabinet Secretary and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa echoed Musyoka’s concerns, accusing the government of ruling through fear. “The level of police deployment reveals a paranoid regime. But as the people’s opposition, we will always stand with wananchi, not the elite,” he said.
Wamalwa called on President William Ruto to respect the families of protest victims. “We will march to Parliament with these families to lay flowers in memory of their children. The least the president can do is show respect ; these are lives you took,” he said.
Both leaders also condemned the looting of businesses during protests, blaming organized criminal gangs rather than the demonstrators. “These were not protesters ; these were coordinated thugs. Governance has failed in this country,” Musyoka concluded.
