Photo Credits: Citizen Digital.
Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa have come out strongly against the government’s handling of protests, accusing it of enabling violence, extrajudicial arrests, and widespread impunity. Addressing journalists outside Holy Family Basilica on Wednesday morning, the two reaffirmed their support for the youth-led Gen Z protests and pledged to honor those killed during past demonstrations.
Why Are Leaders Condemning the State?
Musyoka drew comparisons between Kenya and Haiti, warning against what he described as dangerous collaboration between gangs and law enforcement.
“You cannot let gangs run the streets while police collaborate with them. We will not allow this country to descend into such lawlessness,” he said.
He criticized security agencies for making unlawful arrests and detaining protest leaders without warrants.
“It is wicked to abduct citizens without warrants. We must say no to this and seek legal redress where necessary,” Musyoka added.
Reflecting on the deadly 2023 protests, he recalled the toll of state repression.
“About 60 people were killed. We buried them everywhere. Some of us were nearly killed in Mathare. I was even placed under house arrest.”
He shared a personal story of a young protester named Brian:
“He had just finished school and was saving to build a house for his mother. His story is just one among many.”
What Does June 25 Symbolize for Protesters?
Musyoka declared June 25 as Youth Transparency Day, praising the energy and resilience of Kenya’s youth.
“It is amazing how one youth can make a post and cause such panic among those in power,” he said, highlighting the power of social media in driving civic participation.
He condemned what he described as brutality during this year’s peaceful youth-led protests.
“In 2024, once again, the youth took to the streets peacefully, armed only with bottles of water. Today, we are here to remember them.”
He also questioned the government’s silence on corruption allegations, citing scandals such as the Mbolea subsidy and Adani-linked deals.
“We still want answers on the Mbolea subsidy scandal, the Adani deals. Who paid what? They think the opposition is weak, bado hawajaona,” Musyoka stated.
How Did Wamalwa Respond to the Government’s Security Measures?
Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa echoed Musyoka’s criticism, accusing the government of intimidation through the mass deployment of security personnel.
“This level of deployment speaks to a paranoid regime,” Wamalwa said. “But as the people’s opposition, we stand with the people, not the powerful.”
He called on President William Ruto to let mourning families commemorate their loved ones in peace.
“We are marching to Parliament with these families to lay flowers. The least the president can do is show respect. These are the children you killed.”
Both leaders denounced the looting that occurred during the protests but placed the blame squarely on criminal gangs, not the protesters.
“It was not the protesters; it was organized gangs who raided shops. Governance in this country has collapsed,” said Musyoka.
By Yockshard Enyendi
